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REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

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PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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UMX 


CYCLOP«I 

OF 

SACRED    POETICAL 
QUOTATIONS; 

CONSISTING   OF 

CHOICE  PASSAGES  FROM  THE  SACRED  POETRY 

OF    ALL   AGES   AND   COUNTRIES. 

CLASSIFIED  AND  ARRANGED.  FOE  FACILITY  OF  REFERENCE. 
UNDER  SUBJECT  HEADINGS  ; 

ILLUSTRATED  BY  STRIKING  PASSAGES  FROM  SCRIPTURE, 

AND  FORMING  ALTOGETHER 

A  COMPLETE  BOOK  OF  DEVOTIONAL  POETRY. 
EDITED   BY  H,  G.   ADAMS. 

EDITOR  OF  THE  "  CYCLOPAEDIA  OF  POETICAL  QUOTATIONS,"  ETC. 


A  verse  may  find  him  who  a  sermon  flies, 
And  turn  delight  into  a  sacrifice." — Herbert. 


Boston  : 
CUPPLES   &   HURD.   23   SCHOOL   STREET. 


PREFACE. 


The  favour  with  which  our  former  compilation 
— the  "Cyclopaedia  of  Poetical  Quotations" — was 
received,  and  the  numerous  calls  which  we  had  for 
an  extension  of  the  plan  of  that  work,  induced  us 
to  determine  on  the  issue  of  this  companion  volume, 
which,  although  exactly  similar  in  size  and  price, 
and  method  of  arrangement,  yet  possesses  a  decid- 
edly distinctive  feature  in  the  sacred  character  of  all 
the  pieces  included.  "We  have  endeavoured  to  make 
it  one  of  the  most  complete  collections  of  Religious 
Poetey  ever  offered  to  the  public ;  and  cannot  doubt 
that,  as  such,  it  will  be  acceptable  to  a  very  large 
class  of  readers.  As  the  matter  in  this  volume  had 
to  be  arranged  under  a  far  less  number  of  distinct 
headings  than  that  of  the  work  above  named,  there 
was  space  for  the  introduction  of  longer  pieces,  and 
thus  many  of  the  most  beautiful  specimens  of  de- 
votional poetry,  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  liter- 
ature of  this  and  other  nations,  are  given  with 
little  or  no  curtailment.  Although  there  is  much 
poetry  of  a  religious  character  scattered  through 
the  former  volume,  yet — inasmuch  as  it  is  presumed 


IV  PREFACE. 

that  most  persons  who  possess  the  one  will  also 
desire  to  have  the  other — none  of  the  pieces  which 
may  there  be  found  are  admitted  into  this  compil- 
ation, except  in  some  cases  where  it  was  felt  that 
by  re-uniting  the  portions  there  arranged  under 
several  headings,  so  complete  and  beautiful  a  whole 
could  be  presented,  that  its  insertion  here  was  almost 
rendered  necessary. 

As  we  wished  to  make  our  volume  entirely  un- 
sectarian  in  its  character,  we  have  endeavoured  to 
avoid  the  insertion  of  poems  which  involve  merely 
doctrinal  points.  Those  grand  truths  and  principles 
of  Christianity  on  which  all  denominations  of  the 
Saviour's  professed  followers  are  agreed,  offered 
ample  scope  for  poetic  illustration;  and  happily  we 
could,  alike  from  the  pages  of  a  Milton,  a  Watts, 
a  Doddridge,  a  Wesley,  a  Montgomery,  and  a  Keble, 
find  plenty  of  matter  for  our  purpose,  without  enter- 
ing at  all  upon  the  thorny  paths  of  controversy. 
The  introduction  of  Scripture  quotations  at  the  head 
of  each  subject  will,  we  apprehend,  be  considered 
a  useful  feature  of  our  compilation.  As  might  be 
expected,  the  noblest  poetry  that  ever  was  written 
is  to  be  found  in  the  inspired  volume,  and  those 
passages  which  we  have  selected  therefrom,  as 
specimens  of  poetic  composition  alone,  will,  we 
apprehend,  be  considered  the  true  gems  of  the 
collection. 


PREFACE.  V 

While  we  are  upon  the  subject  of  Scripture 
quotations,  we  may  perhaps  be  allowed  to  place 
before  our  readers  a  fine  passage  from  Gilfillan's 
"Bards  of  the  Bible,"  in  reference  thereto: — 

"The  charm  which  Scripture  quotation  adds  to 
writing,  let  those  tell  who  have  read  Milton,  Bunyan, 
Burke,  Foster,  Southey,  Croly,  Carlyle,  Macaulay, 
yea,  and  even  Byron,  all  of  whom  have  sown  their 
pages  with  this  ' orient  pearl'  and  brought  thus 
an  impulse  from  divine  inspiration,  to  add  to  the 
effect  of  their  own.  Extracts  from  the  Bible  always 
attest  and  vindicate  their  origin.  They  nerve  what 
else  in  the  sentence  in  which  they  occur  is  pointless ; 
they  clear  a  space  for  themselves,  and  cast  a  wide 
glory  around  the  page  where  they  are  found. 
Taken  from  the  classics  of  the  heart,  all  hearts 
vibrate  more  or  less  strongly  to  their  voice.  It  is 
even  as  David  felt  of  old  toward  the  sword  of 
Goliath,  when  he  visited  the  high-priest,  and  said, 
i  There  is  none  like  that,  give  it  me ;'  so  writers  of 
true  taste  and  sympathies  feel  on  great  occasions, 
when  they  have  certain  thoughts  and  feelings  to  ex- 
press, a  longing  for  that  sharp  two-edged  sword,  and 
an  irresistible  inclination  to  cry  '  JSone  like  that,  give 
it  us;  this  right  Damascus  blade  alone  can  cut  the 
way  of  our  thought  into  full  utterance  and  victory.' " 

From  the  Psalms  of  David,  as  giving  expression 
in  the  most  poetical  and  devotional  form,  to  almost 


VI  PREFACE. 

every  variety  of  passion  and  emotion  of  which  the 
human  mind  is  cognizant,  we  have,  of  course,  taken 
a  large  proportion  of  our  Scripture  passages,  and 
therefore  do  we  think  it  well  to  quote  the  above 
author's  apostrophe  to  these  sublime  compositions. 

"Wild,  holy,  tameless  strains,  how  have  you  run 
down  through  ages  in  which  large  poems,  systems, 
and  religions  have  perished,  firing  the  souls  of  poets, 
kissing  the  lips  of  children,  smoothing  the  pillows 
of  the  dying,  stirring  the  warrior  to  heroic  rage, 
perfuming  the  chambers  of  solitary  saints,  and  clasp- 
ing into  one  the  hearts  and  voices  of  thousands  of 
assembled  worshippers ;  tinging  many  a  literature, 
and  finding  a  home  in  many  a  land ;  and  still  ye 
seem  as  fresh,  and  young,  and  powerful  as  ever; 
yea,  preparing  for  even  mightier  triumphs  than 
when  first  chanted !  Britain,  Germany,  and  Amer- 
ica now  sing  you;  but  you  must  yet  awaken  the 
dumb  millions  of  China  and  Japan." 

It  has  been  beautifully  and  truly  observed  by 
the  eloquent  and  learned  Bishop  Lowth,  that  "We 
shall  think  of  Poetry  much  more  humbly  than  it 
deserves,  unless  we  direct  our  attention  to  that 
quarter  where  its  importance  is  most  eminently 
conspicuous,  or  unless  we  contemplate  it  as  employed 
on  sacred  subjects,  and  in  subservience  to  religion. 
This  indeed  appears  to  have  been  the  original  office 
and  destination  of  Poetry,  and  this  it  still  so  happily 


PREFACE.  Vll 

performs,  that  in  all  other  cases  it  seems  out  of 
character,  as  if  intended  for  this  purpose  alone. 
In  other  instances  Poetry  appears  to  want  the  assis- 
tance of  art,  and  in  this  to  shine  forth  with  all 
its  natural  splendour,  or  rather  to  be  animated  by 
that  inspiration,  which  on  other  occasions  is  spoken 
of  without  being  felt." 

These  observations  apply  more  especially  to 
Hebrew  Poetry,  that  loftiest  and  noblest  manifesta- 
tion of  true  poetic  inspiration ;  and  are  quoted  by  Dr. 
Caunter  in  his  able  and  judicious  treatise  on  "The 
Poetry  of  the  Pentateuch,"  in  reference  to  which 
the  learned  writer  observes  that  "Sacred  themes 
have  inspired  the  greatest  poets  of  almost  every 
age,  and  of  every  civilized  country  where  the  true 
God  has  been  adored,  the  doctrine  of  redemption 
promulgated,  and  the  divine  attributes  avowed. 
Those  sublime  themes  have  called  forth  the  highest 
intellectual  endowments  of  man."  Herder,  another 
profound  critic,  and  lover  of  Poetry  in  its  most 
sublime  forms,  says  of  it,  that  ' '  without  God  it  is 
a  showy  Papyrus  without  moisture ;  every  system  of 
morals  without  Him  is  a  mere  parasitical  plant.  It 
makes  a  flowery  display  in  fine  words,  and  sends  forth 
its  branches  hither  and  thither;  nay,  it  insinuates 
itself  into  every  weak  spot  and  crevice  of  the  human 
soul;  but  the  sun  rises  and  it  vanishes." 

All  true  Poets  have  felt  and  known  this,  although 


Vlll  PEEFACE. 

they  have  not  always  acknowledged  it ;  sometimes 
it  was  bnt  a  dim  confused  perception  of  the  truth 
which  they  obtained ;  being  dazzled  by  the  blaze  of 
their  own  genius,  they  have  mistaken  that  for  a 
divine  effluence,  and  worshipped  it  in  the  place  of 
that  greater  glory,  of  which  it  was  but  a  faint 
reflex  and  emanation.  Sometimes  it  was  pride  of 
intellect  which  forbade  them  to  bow  down  to  any 
other  God  than  that  which  bore  the  impress  of  self: 
sometimes  it  was  a  kind  of  pantheistic  worship  of 
nature,  as  an  abstract  divinity ;  so  enamoured  were 
they  of  the  fair  face  of  creation,  that  they  forgot 
the  Creator;  the  works,  how  beautiful !  how  perfect! 
But  the  workman,  what  of  Him?  "We  have  spoken 
in  the  past  tense,  and  it  might  be  thought  that 
our  remarks  were  meant  to  apply  to  poets  of  pagan 
lands,  and  of  benighted  ages  of  the  world's  history; 
but  alas!  they  are  equally  applicable  to  all  ages, 
and  to  all  lands;  and  especially  to  our  own  country 
and  age  of  christian  enlightenment.  ]\Iany  of  the 
most  gifted  singers  of  the  present  day,  of  the  most 
fervent  and  devoted  spirits,  might  have  served  as 
high-priests  in  the  temple  of  Apollo,  and  offered 
adoration  at  the  shrine  of  Flora,  Ceres,  and  the 
Bona  Dea,  and  other  pagan  impersonifications  of  the 
sun,  and  the  earth,  with  its  beauties  and  riches. 
To  such  as  these  the  flowers,  those  stars  of  earth, 
are  not  the  living,  glowing,  breathing  "charactery" 


PREFACE.  IX 


in  which  the  Almighty  writes  instructive  lessons 
of  His  wisdom  and  goodness,  telling  the  sick,  the 
weary,  and  the  sad  at  heart,  that 


"Whoso  careth  for  the  flowers 

Will  care  much  more  for  them." 


To  such  the  stars,  those  flowers  of  heaven,  are 
not  bright  revelations  of  the  Deity  who  sustains 
and  directs  them  in  their  courses. 


'•For  ever  singing  as  they  shine, 
The  hand  that  made  us  is  divine." 


To  such  the  whispering  gales,  the  rustling  boughs, 
the  humming  insects,  the  singing  rills,  and  the 
warbling  birds,  speak  not  of  an  ever  watchful, 
ever  wakeful  Power,  to  which  in  every  emergency 
the  prayerful  soul  may  turn.  Calm  and  soothing 
as  is  doubtless  the  influence  of  nature,  upon  the 
troubled  souls  of  all  who  submit  themselves  to  her 
gentle  teachings,  yet  with  how  much  greater  satisfac- 
tion and  delight  must  those  contemplate  her  beauties 
and  share  her  calm  enjoyments,  who  see  in  her 
various  changes  and  aspects  but  so  many  revelations 
of  Almighty  love,  and  read  in  her  fair  lineaments 
the  wondrous  story  of  redeeming  grace. 


X  PREFACE. 

"Alas!  that  mankind  sees  Him  not, — the  Great 
And  Everlasting  Framer  of  all  worlds  ; 
Who  paints  himself  npon  the  leaves  of  flowers, 
And  flings  his  portrait  on  the  breasted  clouds, 
And  sheds  his  syllogisms  in  the  shape 
Of  suns,  and  moons,  and  planetary  systems," 

as  J.  Stanyan  Bigg,  the  latest,  but  not  the  least,  of 
the  true  poets  of  the  present  cycle,  has  finely  said. 
We  must  give  another  extract  from  his  "  Night 
and  the  Soul,"  published  too  late  for  quotation 
in  the  body  of  our  volume: — 

"Nature  is  still,  as  ever,  the  thin  veil 
Which  half  conceals,  and  half  reveals  the  face 
And  lineaments  supernal  of  our  King, — 
The  modifying  medium  through  which 
His  glories  are  exhibited  to  man, — 
The  grand  repository  where  he  hides 
His  mighty  thoughts  to  be  dug  out  like  diamonds  ; — 
Still  is  the  day  irradiate  with  His  glory, 
Flowing  in  steady,  sun-streaked,  ocean  gush 
From  His  transcendant  nature, —still  at  night 
O'er  our  horizon  trail  the  sable  robes 
Of  the  Eternal  One,  with  all  their  rich 
Embroidery  and  emblazonment  of  stars." 

This  is  high  and  holy  teaching.  Well  were  it 
if  every  mere  nature-worshipper  could  be  brought 
to  the  same  conviction  as  the  poet  of  "Night  and 
the  Soul,"  and  confess  that — 

"Religion  is  the  true  Philosophy! 
Faith  is  the  last  great  link  'twixt  God  and  man. 
There  is  more  wisdom  in  a  whispered  prayer 
Than  in  the  ancient  lore  of  all  the  schools  : 


PREFACE.  XI 

The  soul  upon  its  knees  holds  God  by  the  hand. 

Worship  is  wisdom  as  it  is  in  heaven ! 

'I  do  believe!     Help  Thou  mine  unbelief!' 

Is  the  last  greatest  utterance  of  the  soul." 

"I  do  believe!"  how  few  are  there  among  the 
gifted  children  of  song,  who  can  stoop  from  the 
lofty  heights  of  intellectual  glory,  to  utter  this 
confession  of  the  insufficiency  of  human  reason,  the 
littleness  of  human  power. — 

"Stoop,  stoop,  proud  man  !  the  gate  of  heaven  is  low, 
And  all  who  enter  in  thereat  must  bend! 
Reason  has  fields  to  play  in,  wide  as  air, 
But  they  have  bounds;  and  if  she  soar  beyond. 
Lo!  there  are  lightnings  and  the  curse  of  God, 
And  the  old  thundered  'Never!'  from  the  jaws 
Of  the  black  darkness  and  the  mocking  waste. 
Come  not  to  God  with  questions  on  thy  lirx<. 
He  will  have  love— love  and  a  holy  trust, 
And  the  self-abnegation  of  a  child. 
'T  is  a  far  higher  wisdom  to  believe, 
Than  to  cry  'Question'  at  the  porch  of  truth. 
Think  not  the  Infinite  will  calmly  brook 
The  plummet  of  the  finite  in  its  depths." 

God  and  His  attributes  are  undoubtedly  the 
poet's  noblest  themes,  and  to  celebrate  the  great- 
ness and  glory  of  His  works,  the  wonders  of  His 
power,  and  the  riches  of  His  grace,  have  the 
highest  efforts  of  human  genius  in  all  ages  been 
directed.  From  the  time  when  Moses  sung  his 
song  of  .triumph  as  the  waters  closed  over  Pharaoh 
and    his    host,  when   the   Prophets   uttered   their 


Xll  PREFACE. 

rapt  predictions,  and  the  inspired  Psalmist  sent 
forth  those  strains  of  supplication  and  thanksgiving 
which  are  still  sounding  daily  in  our  ears,  and 
stirring  our  hearts  to  devotion,  down  to  the  period 
when  Milton  wrote  his  great  epic, 

"Of  man's  first  disobedience,  and  the  fruit 
Of  that  forbidden  tree,  whose  mortal  taste 
Brought  death  into  the  world," 

has  the  lyre  "been  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
religion — has  religious  poetry  been  the  most  beau- 
tiful and  touching,  as  well  as  the  most  lofty  and 
sublime  of  all  poetry.  As  Dr.  Caunter  well  observes, 
"The  noblest  epics  which  have  elicited  the  poetic 
genius  of  different  countries,  have  been  based  upon 
subjects  either  immediately  connected  with,  or 
remotely  allied  to,  religion.  The  authors  of  the 
Mahabarat  and  the  Ramayana,  two  Hindoo  epics 
of  high  celebrity  and  extraordinary  magnitude,  ex- 
tending each  to  several  hundred  thousand  lines, 
of  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey,  of  the  Inferno,  of 
the  Jerusalem  Delivered,  of  the  Paradise  Lost  and 
Regained,  have,  either  directly  or  consequentially, 
all  made  the  Deity  and  His  illimitable  perfections 
the  subjects  of  their  immortal  song." 

And  so  it  is;  every  true  poet  is  essentially  a 
religious  poet;  his  religion  may  not  be  Christianity, 
his  views  of  the  divine  nature  and  attributes  may 
be  distorted,  and  he  may  be  altogether  ignorant  of 


PREFACE.  Xlll 

the  great  truths  of  scripture  revelation,  yet  there 
will  ever  be  in  minds  of  the  greatest  reach  and 
capacity,  a  striving  after  that  which  is  good  and 
holy,  and  a  knowledge,  approximating  to  the  truth, 
of  the  relationship  between  the  Creator  and  the 
created;  for 

"Spontaneously  to  God  will  tend  the  soul, 
Like  the  magnetic  needle  to  the  pole." 

Would  that  all  whose  "tranced  hands  have  woke 
the  lyre,"  and  chanted  such  strains  as  the  world 
would  not  willingly  let  die,  had  had  such  clear  views 
of  the  nature  of  the  obligation  which  lay  on  them 
to  dedicate  their  powers  to  the  service  of  true 
religion,  as  our  own  Milton,  who  commenced  his 
immortal  epic  thus:  — 

"And  chiefly  Thou,  O  Spirit,  that  dost  prefer 
Before  all  temples,  the  upright  heart  and  pure, 
Instruct  me,  for  Thou  know'st:  Thou  from  the  first 
Wast  present,  and  with  mighty  wings  outspread 
Dove-like  sat'st  brooding  on  the  vast  abyss. 
And  mad'st  it  pregnant.     What  in  me  is  dark 
Illumine;  what  is  low,  raise  and  support: 
That  to  the  height  of  this  great  argument 
I  may  assert  eternal  Providence, 
And  justify  the  ways  of  God  to  men." 

Would  that  all  could  bear  some  such  testimony 
to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  exclaim  with 
him — 


XIV  PREFACE. 

"O,  unexampled  Love! 
Love  no  where  to  be  found  less  than  Divine! 
Hail,  Son  of  God,  Saviour  of  men,  Thy  Name 
Shall  be  the  copious  matter  of  my  song 
Henceforth,  and  never  shall  my  harp  Thy  praise 
Forget,  nor  from  Thy  Father's  praise  disjoin." 

A  similar  spirit  of  fervent  piety  animated  the 
breast  of  the  Italian  poet  Lorenzo  de  Medici,  who 
made  this  solemn  request  at  the  footstool  of  the 
Almighty,  previous  to  entering  on  the  composition 
of  a  poem: — 

"In  ardent  adoration  joined, 
Obedient  to  Thy  holy  will, 
Let  all  my  faculties  combined 

Thy  just  desires,  O  God,  fulfil! 
From  thee  derived,  eternal  King, 
To  thee  our  noblest  powers  we  bring: 
O,  may  thy  hand  direct  our  wandering  way! 
O,  bid  thy  li^ht  arise,  and  chase  the  clouds  away!" 

Listen  also  to  the  author  of  the  "Mght  Thoughts," 
and  hear  his  acknowledgment  of  the  true  sources 
of  poetic  inspiration: — 

"0  Thou  bless'd  Spirit:  whether  the  Supreme, 
Great  ante-mundane  Father;  in  whose  breast, 
Embryo  creation,  unborn  being,  dwelt, 
And  all  its  various  revolutions  rolled, 
Present,  though  future;  prior  to  themselves; 
Whose  breath  can  blow  it  into  nought  again; 
Or.  from  His  throne  some  delegated  power; 
Who,  studious  of  our  peace,  dost  turn  the  thought 
From  vain  and  vile,  to  solid  and  sublime ! 
Unseen  Thou  lead'st  me  to  delicious  draughts 


PREFACE.  XV 

Of  Inspiration,  from  a  purer  stream. 

And  fuller  of  the  God,  than  that  which  burst 

From  famed  Castalia." 

Alas!  how  often  has  been,  and  is,  this  noble 
gift  of  poesy  abused  and  prostituted  to  base  pur- 
poses; of  how  few  could  it  be  said  that  he  had 
written  no  line  which  dying  he  might  wish  to  blot. 
Dryden,  we  may  remember,  exclaims 

"0  gracious  God!     How  far  have  we 
Profaned  Thy  heavenly  gift  of  poesy! 
Made  prostitute  and  profligate  the  muse, 
Debased  to  each  obscene  and  impious  use, 
"Whose  harmony  was  first  ordained  above 
For  tongues  of  angels,  and  for  hymns  of  love!" 

Yet  even  he  cannot  altogether  escape  the  re- 
proach conveyed  in  these  lines  to  such  as  have, 
at  times,  shown  themselves  unworthy  of  the 
sacred  gift,  and  of  this  he  appears  to  be  conscious 
when  he  says  "how  far  have  we"  etc.  Cowper 
might  with  great  propriety  act  the  censor  on  such 
a  dereliction  of  duty,  and  say — 

''Debased  to  servile  purposes  of  pride, 
How  are  the  powers  of  genius  misapplied! 
The  gift,  whose  office  is  the  Giver's  praise, 
To  trace  Him  in  His  word,  His  work,  His  ways, 
Then  spread  the  rich  discovery,  and  invite 
Mankind  to  share  in  the  divine  delight; 
Distorted  from  its  use  and  just  design, 
To  make  the  pitiful  possessor  shine. 


XVI  PREFACE. 

To  purchase  at  the  fool-frequented  fair 
Of  vanity,  a  wreath  for  self  to  wear, 
Is  profanation  of  the  basest  kind — 
Proof  of  a  trifling  and  a  worthless  mind.'' 

So  also  might  one  of  the  sacred  poets  of  our 
own  day,  many  of  whose  strains  of  simple,  ear- 
nest, and  pure  devotion,  will  be  found  in  our 
volume.  He  has  just  passed  from  hence  to  sing 
in  a  heavenly  choir;  and  fain  would  we  embody 
in  this  preface  a  slight  tribute  of  our  admiration 
for  his  genius,  and  our  gratitude  for  the  service  he 
has  rendered  to  the  Christian  Religion. 

TO    THE    MEMORY    OF    JAMES    MONTGOMERY. 

Sweet  minstrel,  who  through  life  hast  turned  thy  face 

Unto  the  city  of  the  heavenly  king; 
Of  infinite  mercy,  and  of  boundless  grace, 

And  God's  high  attributes  hast  loved  to  sing; 

E"en  like  a  pilgrim  onward  journeying, 
To  whom  this  world  was  no  abiding  place ; 

But  through  whose  mists  of  sin  and  sorrowing 
Thou  hadst  a  light  the  devious  way  to  trace. 
The  river  thou  hast  crossed,  the  shining  gate 

Hath  oped  to  bid  thee  welcome  to  thy  rest; 
Thy  voice,  which  sounded  in  our  ears  but  late, 

Now  swells  the  chorus  of  the  truly  blest : 
Thou  hast  departed,  but  hast  left  thy  lays, 
A  rich  bequest  of  holy  prayer  and  praise. 


CYCLOPAEDIA 


SACKED  POETICAL  QUOTATIONS. 


AAEON. 

1  will  sanctify  the  tabernacle  of  th  ion  and  the  altar :  I 

will  sanctify  also  bo  .  to  minister  to  me  in  the 

priest's  office.— Exodus,  xxix.  11. 

And  Moses  stripped  Aaron   of  his  garments,  and  put  them    upon 
Eleazar  his  son;  and  Aaron  died  there  in  the  top  of  the  mounl 
and  Eleazar  came  down  from  the  mount.— Numbers,  x   . 

Aaron  the  saint  of  the  Lord.— Psalm  cvi  l«i. 

Called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron.—  Hebrews,  v.  -1. 

So,  with  trembling  hand, 
He  hasted  to  unclasp  the  priestly  robe, 
And  cast  it  o'er  his  son,  and  on  his  head 
The  mitre  place ;  while,  with  a  feeble  voice, 
He  blessed,  and  bade  him  keep  his  garments  pure 
From  blood  of  souls.     But  then,  as  Moses  raised 
The  mystic  breastplate,  and  that  dying  eye 
Caught  the  last  radiance  of  those  precious  stones, 
By  whose  oracular  and  fearful  light 
Jehovahehad  so  oft  His  will  revealed 
Unto  the  chosen  tribes,  whom  Aaron  loved 
In  all  their  wanderings — but  whose  promised  land 
He  might  not  look  upon — he  sadly  laid 
His  head  upon  the  mountain's  turfy  breast, 
And  with  one  prayer,  half-wrapped  in  stifled  groans, 
Gave  up  the  ghost. 

Mrs.  Sigourucy. 


ABEL. 


ABEL. 


And  Abel  brought  of  the  firstlings  of  his  flock,  and  of  the  fat  thereof. 
And  the  Lord  had  respect  unto  Abel  and  his  offering.— Genesis,  iv.  4. 

They  -were  wont  to  speak  in  old  time,  saying,  They  shall  surely  ask 
counsel  at  Abel.— II.  Samuel,  xx.  18. 

By  faith  Abel  offered  unto  God  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain, 
by  which  he  obtained  witness  that  he  was  righteous,  God  testifying 
of  his  gifts  :  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet  speaketh. —Hebrews,  xi.  4. 

Blood  lias  a  voice  to  pierce  the  skies ; 

Revenge  !  the  blood  of  Abel  cries  ; 

But  the  dear  stream  when  Christ  was  slain, 

Speaks  peace  aloud  from  every  vein.  Watts. 

Adjacent  rose  a  myrtle-planted  mound, 

Whose  spiry  top  a  granite  fragment  crowned. 

Tinctured  with  many-coloured  moss  the  stone, 

Rich  as  a  cloud  of  summer-evening  shone, 

Amid  encircling  verdure  that  arrayed 

The  beauteous  hillock  with  a  cope  of  shade. 

"  Javan,"  said  Enoch,  "on  this  spot  began 

The  fatal  curse  ; — man  perished  here  by  man. 

The  earliest  death  a  son  of  Adam  died 

Was  murder,  and  that  murder  fratricide  ! 

Here  Abel  fell  a  corse  along  the  shore ; 

Here  Cain's  recoiling  footsteps  reeked  with  gore. 

Horror  upraised  his  locks,  unloosed  his  knees ; 

He  heard  a  voice,  he  hid  among  the  trees : 

— 'Where  is  thy  brother?' — from  the  whirlwind  came 

The  voice  of  God  amidst  enfolding  flame : 

— 'Am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ?' — hoarse  and  low, 

Cain  muttered  from  the  copse — 'that  I  should  know  ?' 

That  mound  of  myrtles  o'er  her  favourite  child 
Eve  planted,  and  the  hand  of  Adam  piled 
Yon  mossy  stone,  above  his  ashes  raised, 
His  altar  once,  with  Abel's  offering  blazed, 
When  God  well  pleased  beheld  the  flames  arise, 
And  smiled  acceptance  on  the  sacrifice." 

J.  Montgomery . 


ABHORRENCE. 


ABHOEBENCE. 

ASD  now  am  I  their  song,  yea,  I  am  their  by-word.     The- 
me, they  tk-e  far  from  me.— Job.  x\\. 

I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear :  but  now  mine  eye 
seeth  thee.     Wherefore  I  abhor  myself,  and  repent  in  eh. 
—Job,  xlii.  5,  6. 

Let  love  be  without  dissimulation.    Abhor  that  which  is  evil ;  cleave 
to  that  which  is  good.— Romans,  xii.  9. 

Father  of  lights !  from  whom  proceeds 
TVhate'er  thy  every  creature  needs  ; 
"Whose  goodness  providently  nigh, 
Feeds  the  young  ravens  -when  they  cry ; 
To  thee  I  look,  my  heart  prepare ; 
Suggest,  and  hearken  to  my  prayer. 

Fain  would  I  know,  as  known  by  thee, 

And  feel  the  indigence  I  see  : 

Fain  would  I  all  my  vilenesa  own, 

And  deep  beneath  the  burden  groan ; 

Abhor  the  pride  that  lurks  within, 

Detest  and  loathe  myself  and  siu.  Wesley. 


'T  is  a  point  I  long  to  know, 

Oft  it  causes  anxious  thought. 
Do  I  love  the  Lord,  or  no  ? 

Am  I  his,  or  am  I  not  P 
Could  I  joy  his  saints  to  meet, 

Choose  the  ways  I  once  abhorred, 
Find  at  times  the  promise  sweet, 

If  I  did  not  love  the  Lord?  yen-ton, 


Were  half  the  power  that  hMls  the  world  with  terror, 

"Were  half  the  wealth  bestowed  on  camps  and  courts, 
Given  to  redeem  the  human  mind  from  error, 

There  were  no  need  of  arsenals  nor  forts. 
The  warrior's  name  would  be  a  name  abhorred; 

And  every  nation  that  should  lift  again 
Its  hand  against  a  brother,  on  its  forehead 

Would  wear  for  evermore  the  curse  of  Cain. 

Longfellow, 


ABIDE— ABODE. 

FOR  we  are  strangers  before  thee,  and  sojourners,  as  were  all  our 
fathers  :  our  days  on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow,  and  there  is  none 
abiding. — I.  Chronicles,  xxix.  15. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  tendeth  to  life,  and  he  that  hath  it  shall  abide 
satisfied. — Proverbs,  xix.  23. 

They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  as  Mount  Zion,  which  cannot 
be  removed,  but  abideth  for  ever.— Psalm  cxxv.  1. 

If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what 
ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you.— John,  xv.  7. 

Eteknal  power !  whose  high  alode 
Becomes  the  grandeur  of  a  God — ■ 
Infinite  lengths  beyond  the  bounds, 
Where  stars  revolve  their  little  rounds. 

The  lowest  step  beneath  thy  seat 

Rises  too  high  for  Gabriel's  feet : 

In  vain  the  tall  archangel  tries 

To  reach  thine  height  with  wondering  eyes. 

Watts. 
"We've  no  abiding  city  here  :" — 

This  may  distress  the  worldly  mind ; 
But  should  not  cost  the  saint  a  tear, 
Who  hopes  a  better  rest  to  find. 

"We've  no  abiding  city  here  ;" 
We  seek  a  city  out  of  sight ; 
Zion  its  name, — the  Lord  is  there, 
It  shines  with  everlasting  light. 

O  !  sweet  abode  of  peace  and  love, 

Where  pilgrims  freed  from  toil  are  blest ; 

Had  I  the  pinions  of  a  dove, 

I  'd  fly  to  thee  and  be  at  rest.  Kelly. 

Sun  of  my  soul !  Thou  Saviour  dear, 
It  is  not  night  if  Thou  be  near : 
Oh,  may  no  earth-born  cloud  arise 
To  hide  Thee  from  Thy  servant's  eyes. 

Abide  with  me  from  morn  till  eve, 

For  without  Thee  I  cannot  live. 

Abide  with  me  when  night  is  nigh, 

For  without  Thee  I  dare  not  die.  Keble. 


ABOUND. 


ABOUND— ABUNDANCE. 

THE  Lord,  the  Lord  God.  merciful  and  gracious,  longsuffering.  and 
abundant  in  goodness  and  truth.-  \iv.  b". 

A  faithful  man  shall  abound  -with  blessings  ;  but  he  that  maketh 
teste  to  be  rich,  shall  not  be  innocent.—  Proverbs,  xxviii.  20. 

Therefore  as  ye  dbovnd  in  every  thing  in  faith  and  utterance,  and 
knowledge,  and  in  all  diligence,  and  in  your  love  to  us,  see  that  ye 
abound  in  this  grace  also.— II.  Corinthians,  viii.  7. 

We  beseech  you  brethren  and  exhort  you  by  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  as 
ye  have  received  of  us  how  ye  ought  to  walk  and  to  please  God,  so 
ye  would  abound  more  and  more.— I.  Thessalonians,  iv.  1. 

Unto  Him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that 
we  a-k  or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us. — Ephcsians. 
iii.  20. 

Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  month  speaketh.— Matthew, 
xii.  54. 

God  on  thee 
Abundantly  his  gifts  hath  also  poured, 
Inward  and  outward  both.  Milton. 


Good  the  more 
Communicated,  more  abundant  grows  ; 
The  author  not  impaired  but  honoured  more. 

Milton. 

The  God  of  Nature  and  of  Grace 

In  all  his  works  appears: 
His  goodness  through  the  earth  we  trace, 

His  grandeur  in  the  spheres. 

Behold  this  fair  and  fertile  globe, 

By  Him  in  wisdom  planned ; 
'T  was  He  who  girded,  like  a  robe, 

The  ocean  round  the  land. 

His  blessings  fall  in  plenteous  showers 

Upon  the  lap  of  earih, 
That  teems  with  foliage,  fruit,  and  flowers. 

And  rings  with  infant  mirth. 

If  God  hath  made  this  world  so  fair, 

TVhere  sin  and  death  abound; 
How  beautiful  beyond  compare 

Will  Paradise  be  found  !  J.  Montgomery. 


ABOVE. 

THE  Lord  shall  make  thee  the  head,  and  not  the  tail;  and  thou 
shalt  be  above  only,  and  thoushalt  not  be  beneath  ;  if  that  thou  hearken 
unto  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  I  command  thee 
this  day,  to  observe  and  to  do  them. — Deuteronomy,  xxriii.  13. 

The  Lord  is  high  above  all  nations,  and  his  glory  above  the  heavens. 
— Psalm  cxiii.  4. 

He  that  cometh  from  above  is  above  all :  he  that  is  of  the  earth  is 
earthly,  and  speaketh  of  the  earth :  he  that  cometh  from  heaven  is 
above  all.— John,  hi.  31. 

Be  this  my  one  great  business  here, 
ATith  serious  industry  and  fear, 

Eternal  bliss  to  ensure: 
Thine  utmost  counsel  to  fulfil, 
And  suffer  all  thy  righteous  will, 

And  to  the  end  endure. 

Then  Saviour,  then,  my  soul  receive, 
Transported  from  this  vale  to  live 

And  reign  with  thee  above; 
"Where  faith  is  sweetly  lost  in  sight, 
And  hope  in  full  supreme  delight, 

And  everlasting  love.  Wesley. 

Descend  from  heaven  immortal  Dove, 
Stoop  down  and  take  us  on  thy  wings, 

And  mount  and  bear  us  far  above 
The  reach  of  these  inferior  things. 

Beyond,  beyond  this  lower  sky, 

tip  where  eternal  ages  roll ; 
Where  solid  pleasures  never  die, 

And  fruits  immortal  feast  the  soul.  Watts. 


Eise  my  soul  and  stretch  thy  wings, 

Thy  better  portion  trace; 
Eise  from  transitory  things, 

Towards  heaven,  thy  native  place. 

Sun,  and  moon,  and  stars  decay; 

Time  shall  soon  this  earth  remove; 
Eise,  my  soul,  and  haste  away 

To  seats  prepared  above.  Cennick. 


a;  B  viiam. 


ABBAHAM. 

Bv  faith  Abraham,  when  lie  was  called  to  go  out  into  a  place  which 
he  should  after  receive  for  an  inherit  :  and  he  went  out, 

not  knowing  whither  he  went. 

By  faith  he  sojourned  in  the  land  of  promise,  as  in  a  strange  country, 
dwelling  in  tabernacles  with  Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  heirs  with  hiru  of 
the  same  promise  : 

For  he  looked  for  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God.— Hebrews,  xi.  8.  9,  10. 

Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was  counted  unto  him  for  righteous- 
ness.—Romans,  it.  3. 

Him  God  the  Most  High,  vouchsafed 
To  call  by  vision,  from  his  father's  house, 
His  kindred,  and  false  gods,  into  a  land 
Which  he  did  show  him,  and  from  him  did  raise 
A  mighty  nation  ;  and  upon  him  shower 
His  benedictions  so,  that  in  his  seed 
All  nations  shall  be  blest ;  he  straight  obeyed, 
Not  knowing  to  what  land,  yet  firm  believed  : 
He  left  his  gods,  his  friends,  and  native  soil, 
Ur  of  Chaldea,  passing  now  the  ford 
To  Haran  ;  after  him  a  cumbrous  train 
Of  herds  and  flocks,  and  numerous  servitude, 
Not  wandering  poor,  but  trusting  all  his  wealth 
To  God,  who  called  him,  in  a  land  unknown. 

Milton. 
Like  Abraham  ascending  up  the  hill 

To  sacrifice,  his  servants  left  below, 
That  he  might  act  the  great  Commander's  will 

Without  impeach  to  his  obedient  blow  : 
Even  so  the  soul,  remote  from  earthly  things, 
Should  mount  salvation's  shelter, — mercy's  wings. 

Robert  Southwell. 

Though  round  him  numerous  tribes, 
Sworn  foes  to  Heaven's  dread  Ruler,  pitch  their  tents, 
No  wayward  doubts  or  coward  fears  appal 
The  Patriarch's  soul.     By  the  bright  hope  sustained, 
That  in  his  seed  all  nations  should  be  blest, 
Calm  and  unmoved  the  delegated  seer 
Submissive  bends  to  the  Eternal  Will. 

Samuel  Jl ayes. 


ABSENCE. 


ABSENCE. 

I  PAUL  myself  beseech  you  by  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ, 
who  in  presence  am  base  among  you,  but  being  absent  am  bold  toward 
—II.  Corinthians,  x.  1. 

I  write  these  things,  being  absent,  lest  being  present  I  should  use 
sharpness,  according  to  the  power  which  the  Lord  hath  giren  me.— 
II.  Corinthians,  xiii.  10. 


To  Jesus,  the  crown  of  my  hope, 

My  soul  is  in  haste  to  be  gone ; 
Oh,  bear  me,  ye  cherubim,  up, 

And  waft  me  away  to  His  throne  ! 

My  Saviour,  whom  absent,  I  love, 

Whom  not  having  seen,  I  adore  ; 
Whose  name  is  exalted  above 

All  glory,  dominion,  and  pow'r.  Cotoper. 

Thus  far  my  God  hath  led  me  on, 
And  made  His  truth  and  mercy  known  ; 
My  hopes  and  fears  alternate  rise, 
And  comforts  mingle  with  my  sighs. 

Through  this  wild  wilderness  I  roam, 
Far  distant  from  my  blissful  home ; 
Lord,  let  Thy  presence  be  my  stay, 
And  guard  me  in  this  dangerous  way. 

Temptations  everywhere  annoy, 

And  sins  and  snares  my  peace  destroy ; 

My  earthly  joys  are  from  me  torn, 

And  oft  an  absent  God  I  mourn.  Fawcett. 


Had  I  the  tongues  of  Greeks  and  Jews, 
And  nobler  speech  than  angels  use, 
If  love  be  absent,  I  am  found, 
Like  tinkling  brass,  an  empty  sound. 

If  love  to  God  and  love  to  men 

Be  absent,  all  my  hopes  are  vain ; 

Nor  tongues,  nor  gifts,  nor  fiery  zeal, 

The  work  of  love  can  e'er  fulfil.  Watts. 


ACCEPTANCE. 


ACCEPTANCE. 

THUS  saitb  the  Lord  unto  this  people,  thus  have  they  loved  to  wan- 
der, they  have  not  refrained  their  feet  :  therefore  the  Lord  doth  not 
accept  them  :  he  will  now  remember  their  iniquity,  and  visit  their 
sins.— Jeremiah,  xiv.  10. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart,  be 
acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  strength  and  my"  Redeemer. 
—Psalm  six.  14. 

Proving  what  is  acceptable  unto  the  Lord.— Ephesians,  v.  10. 

God  is  no  respecter  of  persons  :  bnt  in  every  nation,  he  that  feareth 
him,  and  worketh  righteou^ne— .  i~  accepted  with  him.— Acts,  x.  34.  35. 

This  woman,  whom  thou  mad'st  to  be  my  help, 

And  gav'st  me  as  thy  perfect  gift,  so  good, 

So  fit,  so  acceptable,  so  divine.  Milton. 

Thus  I  imboldened  spake,  and  freedom  and 
Permission,  and  acceptance  found.  Milton. 

God  is  a  spirit  just  and  wise  ; 

He  sees  our  inmost  mind  ; 
In  vain  to  heaven  we  raise  our  cries, 

And  leave  our  souls  behind. 

Nothing  but  truth  before  his  throne 

With  honour  can  appear  ; 
The  painted  hypocrites  are  known 

Through  the  disguise  they  wear. 

Lord  search  my  thoughts,  and  try  my  ways, 

And  make  my  soul  sincere  ; 
Then  shall  I  stand  before  thy  face, 

And  find  acceptance  there.  Watts. 

Accept  my  prayer  O  Lord, 

A  contrite  spirit  cries, 
And  asks,  depending  on  Thy  word, 

A  pardon  from  the  skies. 

Let  me  acceptance  find, 

Unworthy  though  I  be  ; 
Be  there  a  place  in  heaven  assigned 

To  me,  Lord,  even  me!  Anon. 


10  ACQUAINTANCE. 


ACQUAINTANCE. 

ACQUAINT  now  thyself  with  him,  and  be  at  peace  :  thereby  good 
shall  come  unto  thee.— Job,  xxh.  21. 

Acquaint  thee,  O  mortal!  acquaint  thee  with  God  ; 
And  joy,  like  the  sunshine,  shall  beam  on  thy  road  ; 
And  peace,  like  the  dewdrop,  shall  fall  on  thy  head  ; 
And  sleep,  like  an  angel,  shall  visit  thy  bed. 

Acquaint  thee,  O  mortal !   acquaint  thee  with  God  ; 
And  he  shall  be  with  thee  when  fears  are  abroad, 
Thy  safeguard  in  danger  that  threatens  thy  path, — 
Thy  joy  in  the  valley  and  shadow  of  death. 

Knox. 

Acquaint  thyself  with  God,  if  thou  would'st  taste 

His  works.     Admitted  once  to  his  embrace, 

Thou  shalt  perceive  that  thou  wast  blind  before  : 

Thine  eye  shall  be  instructed  ;  and  thine  heart 

Made  pure,  shall  relish  with  divine  delight 

Till  then  unfelt,  what  hands  divine  have  wrought. 

Brutes  graze  the  mountain-top,  with  faces  prone, 

And  eyes  intent  upon  the  scanty  herb 

It  yields  them  :  or  recumbent  on  its  brow 

Ruminate,  heedless  of  the  scene  outspread 

Beneath,  beyond,  and  stretching  far  away 

From  inland  regions  to  the  distant  main. 

Man  views  it  and  admires  ;  but  rests  content 

With  what  he  views.     The  landscape  has  his  praise, 

But  not  its  Author.     Unconcerned  who  framed 

The  Paradise  he  sees,  he  finds  it  such, 

And  such  well  pleased  to  find  it,  asks  no  more. 

Not  so  the  mind  that  has  been  touched  from  heaven, 

And  in  the  schools  of  sacred  wisdom  taught 

To  read  his  wonders,  in  whose  thought  the  world, 

Fair  as  it  is,  existed  ere  it  was. 

Not  for  its  own  sake  merely,  but  for  his 

Much  more  who  fashioned  it,  he  gives  it  praise ; 

Praise  that  from  earth  resulting  as  it  ought, 

To  earth's  acknowledged  Sovereign,  finds  at  once 

Its  only  just  proprietor  in  Him. 

Cowper. 


ADAM    AND    EVE.  11 


ADAM    AXD    EVE. 

So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God  created 
he  hiru ;  male  and  female  created  he  them.— Genesis,  i.  27. 

By  one  man  sin  enured  into  the  world,  and  death  by  >in  :  and  BO 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned.— Romans,  v.  13. 

For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead. 

For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
—I.  Corinthians,  xv.  21,  22. 

The  first  man  A<Uun  was  made  a  living  soul;  the  last  Adam  WHS 
made  a  quickening  spirit. —I.  Corinthians,  xv.  45. 

Thou  man  thy  image  niad'st,  in  dignity, 
In  knowledge  and  in  beauty  like  to  thee; 
Placed  in  a  heaven  on  earth:  without  his  toil, 
The  ever  flourishing  and  fruitful  soil 
Unpurchased  food  produced:  all  creatures  were 
His  subjects,  serving  more  for  love  than  fear. 

Sandys. 
For  contemplation  he,  and  valour  formed; 
For  softness  she,  and  sweet  attractive  grace; 
He  for  God  only,  she  for  God  in  him: 
His  fair  large  front  and  eye  sublime,  declared 
Absolute  rule;  and  hyacinthine  locks 
Hound  from  his  parted  forelock  manly  hung 
Clustering,  but  not  beneath  his  shoulders  broad : 
She  as  a  veil  down  to  the  slender  waist, 
Her  unadorned  golden  tresses  wore- 
Dishevelled,  but  in  wanton  ringlets  waved 
As  the  vine  curls  her  tendrils:  which  implied 
Subjection,  but  required  with  gentle  sway, 
And  by  her  yielded,. by  him  best  received.  Milton. 

So  spake  our  mother  Eve;  and  Adam  heard 
Well  pleased,  but  answered  not;  -for  now,  too  nigh 
The  archangel  stood ;  and  from  the  other  hill 
To  their  fixed  station,  all  in  bright  array, 
The  cherubim  descended ;  on  the  ground 
Gliding  mysterious,  as  evening  mist 
Risen  from  a  river,  o'er  the  marish  glides, 
And  gathers  round,  fast  at  the  labourer's  heel 
Homeward  returning.     High  in  front  advanced, 
The  brandished  sword  of  God  before  them  blazed, 
Fierce  as  a  comet;  which  with  torrid  heat 


12  ADAH   AND    EVE. 


And  vap'rous  as  the  Libyan  air  adust, 

Began  to  parch  that  temperate  clime ;  whereat 

On  either  hand  the  hast'ning  angels  caught 

Our  lingering  parents ;  and  to  th'  eastern  gate 

Led  them  direct,  and  down  the  cliff  as  fast 

To  the  subjected  plain  ;  then  disappeared. 

They,  looking  back,  all  the  eastern  side  beheld 

Of  Paradise,  so  late  their  happy  seat, 

Waved  over  by  that  flaming  brand ;  the  gate 

With  dreadful  faces  thronged,  and  fiery  arms. 

Some  natural  tears  they  dropped,  but  wiped  them  soon; 

The  world  was  all  before  them  where  to  choose 

Their  place  of  rest,  and  Providence  their  guide ; 

They  hand  in  hand,  with  wandering  steps  and  slow, 

Through  Eden  took  their  solitary  way.  Milton. 

Oft  hast  thou  heard  our  elder  patriarchs  tell 
How  Adam  once  by  disobedience  fell ; 
Would  that  my  tongue  were  gifted  to  display 
The  terror  and  the  glory  of  that  day, 
When  seized  and  stricken  by  the  hand  of  death, 
The  first  transgressor  yielded  up  his  breath  ! 

*3T  w  rff  ^rfi?  *7?  *«• 

With  him  his  noblest  sons  might  not  compare 
In  God-like  features  and  majestic  air; 
Not  out  of  weakness  rose  his  gradual  frame, 
Perfect  from  his  Creator's  hand  he  came  ; 
And  as  in  form  excelling,  so  in  mind 
The  sire  of  men  transcended  all  mankind ; 
A  soul  was  in  his  eye,  and  in  his  speech 
A  dialect  of  heaven  no  art  could  reach  ; 
For  oft  of  old  to  him  the  evening  breeze 
Had  borne  the  voice  of  God  among  the  trees  ; 
Angels  were  wont  their  songs  with  his  to  blend, 
And  talk  with  him  as  their  familiar  friend. 
But  deep  remorse  for  that  mysterious  crime, 
Whose  dire  contagion  through  elapsing  time 
Diffused  the  curse  of  death  beyond  control, 
Had  wrought  such  self-abasement  in  his  soul, 
That  he  whose  honour  was  approached  by  none, 
Was  yet  the  meekest  man  beneath  the  sun. 

J.  Montgomery. 


ADMONITION.  1  i* 


ADMONITION. 

Thk  Lord  hath  said  ooncerning  yon,  0  ye  remnant  of  Judah  :  Go  ye 
not  into  Bgypt :  know  certainly  that  I  have  a&mmt&ahed  yon  this  day. 
—Jeremiah,  xlii.  1S>. 

And  I  myself  also  am  persuaded  of  you,  my  brethren,  that  ye  also 
are  full  of  goodness,  filled  with  all  knowledge,  able  also  I 
one  another.— Romans,  xv.  14. 

Now  all  these  things  happened  unto  them  for  ensamples  :  and  they 
are  written  for  our  ci  J  monition,  upon  whom  the  ends  of  the  world 
are  come. — I.  Corinthians,  x.  11. 


Thou  Power  Supreme  !  who  aiming  to  rebuke 

Offenders,  dost  put  off  the  gracious  look, 

And  clothe  thyself  in  terrors,  like  the  flood 

Of  ocean  roused  into  his  fiercest  mood, 

"Whatever  discipline  Thy  will  ordain 

For  the  brief  course  that  must  for  me  remain  ; 

Teach  me  with  quick-eared  spirit  to  rejoice 

In  admonitions  of  thy  softest  voice ! 

TVhate'er  the  path  these  mortal  feet  may  trace, 

Breathe  through  my  soul  the  blessing  of  Thy  grace  ; 

Glad,  through  a  perfect  love,  a  faith  sincere, 

Drawn  from  the  wisdom  that  begins  with  fear ; 

Glad  to  expand,  and,  for  a  season,  free 

From  finite  cares,  to  rest  absorbed  in  Thee. 

Wordsworth. 

In  every  copse  and  sheltered  dell, 

Unveiled  to  the  observant  eye, 
Are  faithful  monitors,  who  tell 

How  pass  the  hours  and  seasons  b}~. 

The  green-robed  children  of  the  spring, 
Will  mark  the  periods  as  they  pass  ; 

Mingle  with  leaves  time's  feathered  wing, 
And  bind  with  flowers  his  silent  glass. 

Thus  in  each  flower  and  simple  bell, 

That  in  our  path  betrodden  lie  ; 
Are  sweet  remembrancers,  who  tell 

How  fast  the  winged  moments  fly. 

Charlotte  Smith. 


14  ADORATION, 


ADORATION. 

HOLY,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and  is,  and  is 
to  come. — Revelations,  iv.  8. 

Blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  Him  that 
sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever. — 
Revelations,  v.  13. 


In  ardent  adoration  joined, 

Obedient  to  Thy  holy  will, 
Let  all  my  faculties  combined 

Thy  just  desires,  O  God,  fulfil ! 
From  thee  derived,  Eternal  King, 
To  thee  our  noblest  powers  we  bring : 
O,  may  thy  hand  direct  our  wandering  way  ! 
O,  bid  thy  light  arise,  and  chase  the  clouds  away ! 

Lorenzo  de  Medici. 

Ye  who  spurn  His  righteous  sway, 

Yet,  oh  yet,  He  spares  your  breath ; 
Yet  His  hand,  averse  to  slay, 

Balances  the  bolt  of  death. 
Ere  that  dreadful  bolt  descends, 

Haste  before  His  feet  to  fall ; 
Xiss  the  sceptre  He  extends, 

And  adore  Him  "Lord  of  all."  Sir  R.  Grant. 


Eternal  Power,  whose  high  abode 
Becomes  the  grandeur  of  a  God, 
Infinite  lengths  beyond  the  bounds 
Where  stars  revolve  their  little  rounds. 

Thee,  while  the  first  archangel  sings, 
He  hides  his  face  behind  his  wings, 
And  ranks  of  shining  thrones  around, 
Eall  worshipping  and  spread  the  ground. 

Lord,  what  shall  earth  and  ashes  do  ? 
We  would  adore  our  Maker  too  ; 
From  sin  and  dust  to  Thee  we  cry, 
The  Great,  the  Holy,  and  the  High. 

Wesley. 


ADVENT.  15 


ADVENT. 

PRBPABB  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  straight  in  the  desert  a  high- 
way for  o'n   i 

Kyi ty  valley  3]  :.ll  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and  hill  shall 
be  made  low :  and  the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight,  and  the  rough 
places  plain. 

And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall  see  it 
together:  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it.— Isaiah,  xl.  3,  4,  5. 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me,  because  the  Lord  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek  ;  He  hath  sent  me  to 
bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the 
opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound ;  to  proclaim  the  accept- 
able year  of  the  Lord. — Isaiah,  lxi.  1,  '-. 

Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands,  let  the  hills  be  joyful  together  before 
the  Lord ;  for  He  cometh  to  judge  the  earth  :  with  righteousness  shall 
He  judge  the  world,  and  the  people  with  equity.— Psalm  xcviii.  &,  !». 

Well  then,  iny  soul,  joy  in  the  midst  of  pain ; 

Thy  Christ,  that  conquered  hell,  shall  from  above 
With  greater  triumph  yet  return  again, 

And  conquer  His  own  justice  with  His  love — 
Commanding  earth  and  seas  to  render  those 
Unto  His  bliss,  for  whom  he  paid  His  woes. 

Henry  Wotton. 

When  Thou,  attended  gloriously  from  Heaven, 

Shall  in  the  sky  appear,  and  from  Thee  send 

The  summoning  archangels  to  proclaim 

The  dread  tribunal,  forthwith  from  all  winds 

The  living,  and  forthwith  the  cited  dead 

Of  all  past  ages,  to  the  general  doom 

Shall  hasten.  Milton. 

Come  then,  and  added  to  thy  many  crowns, 

Receive  yet  one,  the  crown  of  all  the  Earth, 

Thou  who  alone  art  worthy !     It  was  thine 

By  ancient  covenant,  ere  Nature's  birth  ; 

And  thou  hast  made  it  thine  by  purchase  since, 

And  overpaid  its  value  with  thy  blood. 

Thy  saints  proclaim  thee  king  ;  and  in  their  hearts 

Thy  title  is  engraven  with  a  pen 

Dipped  in  the  fountain  of  eternal  love. 

Thy  saints  proclaim  thee  king ;  and  thy  delay 

Gives  courage  to  their  foes,  who  could  they  see 

The  dawn  of  thy  last  advent  long  desired, 

Would  creep  into  the  bowels  of  the  hills 

And  flee  for  safety  to  the  falling  rocks.  Cotoper. 


16  THE    ADVENT. 


Messiah  comes! — Let  furious  discord  cease; 
Be  peace  on  earth  before  the  Prince  of  Peace  ! 
Disease  and  anguish  feel  His  blest  control, 
And  howling  fiends  release  the  tortured  soul ! 
The  beams  of  gladness  Hell's  dark  caves  illume, 
And  mercy  broods  above  the  distant  gloom. 

Bishop  Heber. 

The  Lord  shall  come  !  the  earth  shall  quake  ; 
The  mountains  to  their  centre  shake  ; 
And  withering  from  the  vault  of  night, 
The  stars  shall  pale  their  feeble  light. 

The  Lord  shall  come !  but  not  the  same 
As  once  in  lowliness  he  came ; 
A  silent  Lamb  before  His  foes, 
A  weary  man  and  full  of  woes. 

The  Lord  shall  come  !  a  dreadful  form, 

With  rainbow  wreath,  and  robes  of  storm  ; 

On  cherub  wings  and  wings  of  wind, 

Appointed  Judge  of  all  mankind !  Bishop  Heber. 

The  chariot !  the  chariot !  its  wheels  roll  on  fire, 
As  the  Lord  cometh  down  in  the  pomp  of  his  ire ; 
Self-moving  it  drives  on  its  pathway  of  cloud, 
And  the  heavens  with  the  burthen  of  Godhead  are 
bowed ! 

The  glory  !  the  glory  !  by  myriads  are  pour'd 
The  host  of  the  angels  to  wait  on  their  Lord, 
And  the  glorified  saints  and  the  martyrs  are  there, 
And  all  who  the  palm- wreath  of  victory  wear. 

H.  R.  Hitman. 

Messiah  comes  !  ye  rugged  paths  be  plain ! 
The  Shiloh  comes  !  ye  towering  cedars  bend ; 
Swell  forth,  ye  valleys  ;  and,  ye  rocks,  descend; 
The  withered  branch  let  balmy  fruits  adorn, 
And  clustering  roses  twine  the  leafless  thorn ; 
Burst  forth,  ye  vocal  groves,  your  joy  to  tell  — 
The  God  of  Peace  redeems  His  Israel. 

C.  H.  Johnson. 


ADVEliSilV.  17 


ADVEESITY. 

Ue  hath  said  iii    big   heart,  I  shall   not  ..   tor   I  shall 

be  in  ad  ■  rsity.  -  ', 

In   the  day  of  prosperity  be  joyful,  but    in   the   day 

•  the  other,  to  the 
end  that  man  should  find  nothing  after  him.  .  14. 

Remember  thorn  that  are  in  bonds,  as  bound  with  them;  and  them 
which  suffer  adversity,  as  i>eing  your.-^ ■:  .e  body. — II 

xiii.  ;:. 

Stern  teacher!  sliould'st  tliou  come,  and  sit  by  me, 
And  fix  upon  me  thy  dread,  stony  eyes, 

Calmly  may  I  behold  and  welcome  thee, 
As  one  that  hath  a  message  from  the  skies, 
Fraught  with  intelligence  to  make  me  wise: 

God  grant  me  strength  to  view  thee  steadfastly, 
And  listen  to  thy  voice,  though  agonies 

Should  rack  my  soul  or  frame.     Adversity! 

Full  oft  hast  thou  a  friend  to  mortals  been, 
A  blessing  in  disguise,  though  stern  thy  look ; 

Hard  is  thy  hand,  but  still  thy  palms  between 
Thou  hold'st  outspread  the  pages  of  God's  Book  ; 

"Wherein  who  reads  with  humble,  prayerful  mind. 

Will  hope,  and  ease,  and  consolation  find. 

When  first  thy  sire  to  send  on  earth 

Virtue,  his  darling  child,  designed, 
To  thee  he  gave  the  heavenly  birth. 

And  bade  thee  form  her  infant  mind. 
Stern  rugged  nurse,  thy  rigid  lore 
With  patience  many  a  year  she  bore  ; 
What  sorrow  was  thou  bad'st  her  know, 
And,  from  her  own,  she  learned  to  melt  at  other's  woe. 

Gray. 

Adversity  misunderstood, 

Becomes  a  double  curse  : 
Her  chastening  hand  improves  the  iio^d, 

But  makes  the  wicked  worse. 
Thus  clay  more  obdurate  becomes, 

To  the  fierce  flame  consign'd ; 
While  gold  in  the  red  ordeal  melts, 

But  melts  to  be  refin'd.  C.   C.   Cotton. 


18  AFFECTION. 


AFFECTION. 

SET  your  affection  upon  my  words ;   desire  them,  and  ye  shall  be 
instructed. — Wisdom,  vi.  2. 

Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth. — 
Colossians,  hi.  2. 

Be  Mndly  affect  ioned  one  to  another.— Romans,  xii.  10. 


Heavenly  Father!  God  of  love, 
Look  with,  mercy  from  above  ; 
Let  thy  streams  of  comfort  roll, 
Let  them  fill  and  cheer  my  soul. 

Love  celestial,  ardent  fire  ; 
O  extreme  of  sweet  desire  ! 
Spread  thy  bright,  thy  gentle  flame, 
Swift  o'er  all  my  mental  frame. 

Sweet  affections  flow  from  hence, 

Sweet  above  the  joys  of  sense  ; 

Let  me  thus  for  ever  be, 

Full  of  gladness,  full  of  thee.  Parnel. 


Precious  are  the  kind  affections 

Which  around  this  life  entwine, 
Making  earth,  with  all  its  troubles, 

Something  more  than  half  divine. 
But,  alas  !  they  fade  and  perish, 

Like  the  bright  and  fragrant  flowers, 
Sorrow  blights,  and  death  destroys  them, 

And  their  beauty  time  devours. 

'T  is  not  so  with  those  affections, 

That  are  set  on  heavenly  things ; 
They  will  bloom  and  flourish  ever, 

Watered  by  eternal  springs  ; 
Warmed  by  everlasting  sunshine, 

Sheltered  from  the  storms  of  earth, 
Ever  growing  and  increasing, 

Knowing  nought  of  drought  or  dearth. 


AFFLICTION.  19 


AFFLICTION. 

Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray  ;  but  now  have  I  kept  thy 
word. —Psalm  cxix.  t;7. 

It  [a  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted,  that  I  might  lean 
thy  statutes.— Psalm  cxix.  71. 

I  know  that  the  Lord  will  maintain  the  i  tffflkUd,  and 

the  right  of  the  poor. — Psalm  cxl,  13. 

He  was  oppressed,  and  He  was  afflicted,  yet  lie  opened  not  His 
mouth  :  He  is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  aa  a  sheep 
before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  He  openeth  not  His  mouth. — Isaiah. 
liii.  7. 

In  all  their  affliction  He  was  afflicted,  and  the  angel  of  Hi<  presence 
saved  them  :  in  His  love  and  in'  His  pity  He  redeemed  them  :  and  He 
bare  them  and  carried  them  all  the  days  of  eld. —Isaiah,  lxiii.  9. 

Come,  and  let  as  return  unto  the  Lord  :  for  He  hath  torn,  and  He 
will  heal  us;  He  hath  smitten,  and  He  will  bind  us  up. — Hosea,  vi.  1. 

For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for 
us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. — II.  Corinthians, 

iv.  17. 


Affliction  has  a  taste  as  sweet 

As  any  cordial  comfort.  Shakspere. 

Perfumes,  the  more  they  're   chafed,    the   more   they 

render 
Their  pleasant  scents,  and  so  affliction 
Expresseth  virtue  fully.  John    Webster. 

Afflictions  clarify  the  soul, 
And,  like  hard  masters,  give  more  hard  directions, 
Tutoring  the  non-age  of  uncurbed  affections. 

Francis   Quarles. 

To  bear  affliction  with  a  bended  brow, 

Or  stubborn  heart,  is  but  to  disallow 

The  speedy  means  to  health.  Francis   Quarles. 

A  life  all  ease  is  all  abused  ;  — 

O,  precious  grace  that  made  the  wise 

To  know — affliction,  rightly  used, 

Is  mercy  in  disguise.  G.  B.  Cha  ver. 


20  AFFLICTION. 


Heaven  but  tries  our  virtues  by  affliction, 

And  oft  tlie  cloud  which  wraps  the  present  hour 

Serves  but  to  brighten  all  our  future  days. 

Dr.  Brown. 

I  cannot  call  affliction  sweet, 

And  yet  't  was  good  to  bear  ; 
Affliction  brought  me  to  Thy  feet, 

And  I  found  comfort  there. 

My  wearied  soul  was  all  resigned 

To  Thy  most  gracious  will ; 
Oh !  had  I  kept  that  better  mind, 

Or  been  afflicted  still ! 

Where  are  the  vows  which  then  I  vowed, 

The  joys  which  then  I  knew  ? 
Those  vanished  like  the  morning  cloud, 

These  like  the  early  dew. 

Lord,  grant  me  grace  for  every  day, 

Whate'er  my  state  may  be  ; 
Through  life,  in  death,  with  truth  to  say, 

"My  God  is  all  to  me  !"  J.  Montgomery. 

Come  then,  Affliction,  if  my  Father  bids, 

And  be  my  frowning  friend  :  a  friend  that  frowns, 

Is  better  than  a  smiling  enemy. 

We  welcome  clouds  that  bring  the  former  rain, 

Though  they  the  present  prospect  blacken  round, 

And  shade  the  beauties  of  the  opening  year, 

That,  by  their  stores  enriched,  the  earth  may  yield 

A  fruitful  summer  and  a  plenteous  crop.  Swaine. 

Mid  pleasure,  plenty,  and  success, 
Freely  we  take  from  Him  who  lends ; 

We  boast  the  blessings  we  possess, 
Yet  scarcely  thank  the  one  who  sends. 

But  let  affliction  pour  its  smart, 

How  soon  we  quail  beneath  the  rod ! 

With  shattered  pride,  and  prostrate  heart, 

We  seek  the  long-forgotten  God.         Eliza  Cook. 


AGE.  21 


AGE. 


Grkat  men  arc  not  always  wise,  neither  do  the  aged  understand 
judgment. — Job,  xxxii.  9. 

And  even  to  your  old  age  I  am  he  ;  and  even  to  hoar  hairs  will  I 
carry  you.— Isaiah,  xlvi.   t. 

Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age;  forsake  me  not  when  my 
strength  faileth.— Psalm  bed.  !». 

Now  also,  when  I  am  old  and  grey-headed,  O  God.  forsake  me  not : 
until  I  have  showed  thy  strength  unto  tin-  generation,  and  thy  power 
to  every  one  that  is  to  come. — Psalm  lx.\i.  is. 

They  shall  still  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age;  they  shall  be  fat  and 
nourishing. — Psalm  xcii.  11. 

That  the  aged  men  be  sober,  grave,  temperate,  sound  in  faith,  in 
charity,  in  patience.  The  aged  women  likewise,  that  they  be  in 
behaviour  as  becometh  holiness.— Titus,  ii.  2,  3. 

Ye  gods  !  how  easily  the  good  man  bears 

His  cumbrous  honours  of  increasing  years. 

Age,  oh  my  father,  is  not,  as  they  say, 

A  load  of  evils  heaped  on  mortal  clay, 

Unless  impatient  folly  aids  the  curse, 

And  weak  lamenting  makes  our  sorrows  worse. 

He,  whose  soft  soul,  whose  temper  ever  even, 

Whose  habits  placid  as  a  cloudless  heaven, 

Approve  the  partial  blessings  of  the  sky, 

Smooths  the  rough  road,  and  walks  untroubled  by  ; 

Untimely  wrinkles  furrow  not  his  brow, 

And  graceful  wave  his  locks  of  reverend  snow. 

31. ,  from  Anaxanclrides. 

And  next  in  order  sad,  Old  age  we  found, 
His  beard  all  hoar,  his  eyes  hollow  and  blind  ; 
With  drooping  cheer  still  pouring  on  the  ground, 
As  on  the  place  where  nature  him  assign'd 
To  rest,  when  that  the  sisters  had  untwined 
His  vital  thread,  and  ended  with  their  knife 
The  fleeting  course  of  fast-declining  life  : 
There  heard  we  him  with  broke  and  hollow  plaint, 
Rue  with  himself  his  end  approaching  fast, 
And  all  for  nought  his  wretched  mind  torment 
With  sweet  remembrance  of  his  pleasures  past, 
And  fresh  delights  of  lusty  youth  forewaste  ; 
Recounting  which,  how  would  he  sob  and  shriek, 
And  to  be  young  again  of  Jove  beseek  ! 


22  AGE. 

Crook-backed  lie  was,  tooth-shaken,  and  blear-eyed, 
Went  on  three  feet  and  sometime  crept  on  four, 
With  old  lame  bones  that  rattled  by  his  side ; 
His  scalp  all  piled,  and  he  with  eld  forelore, 
His  wither'd  fist  still  knocking  at  death's  door ; 
Fumbling  and  drivelling  as  he  draws  his  breath ; 
For  brief,  the  shape  and  messenger  of  death. 

Sackville. 

So  mayest  thou  live  till,  like  ripe  fruit,  thou  drop 

Into  thy  mother's  lap,  or  be  with  ease 

Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked,  for  death  mature. 

This  is  old  age,  but  then  thou  must  outlive 

Thy  youth,  thy  strength,  thy  beauty,  which  will  change 

To  withered,  weak,  and  grey.  Milton. 


O  my  coevals  !  remnants  of  yourselves ! 

Poor  human  ruins,  tottering  o'er  the  grave ! 

Shall  we,  shall  aged  men,  like  aged  trees, 

Strike  deeper  their  vile  root,  and  closer  cling, 

Still  more  enamoured  of  this  wretched  soil? 

Shall  our  pale,  withered  hands  be  still  stretched  out, 

Trembling  at  once  with  eagerness  and  age? 

With  avarice  and  convulsions  griping  hard  ? 

Grasping  at  air!     For  what  has  earth  beside? 

!Man  wants  but  little,  nor  that  little  long : 

How  soon  must  he  resign  his  very  dust, 

Which  frugal  nature  lent  him  for  an  hour!  Young. 

Age  should  fly  concourse,  cover  in  retreat 

Defects  of  judgment,  and  the  will  subdue; 

Walk  thoughtful  on  the  silent  solemn  shore 

Of  that  vast  ocean  it  must  sail  so  soon; 

And  put  good  works  on  board ;  and  wait  the  wind 

That  shortly  blows  us  into  worlds  unknown.         Young. 


But  were  death  frightful,  what  has  age  to  fear? 
If  prudent,  age  should  meet  the  friendly  foe, 
And  shelter  in  his  hospitable  gloom. 

Young. 


•2  I 

The  seas  are  quiet  when  the  winds  are  o'er, 

So  calm  are  we,  when  passions  are  no  more ! 

For  then  we  know  how  vain  it  was  to  boast 

Of  fleeting  things,  so  certain  to  be  lost. 

Clouds  of  affection  from  our  youthful  eyes 

Conceal  the  emptiness  which  age  descries: 

The  soul's  dark  cottage,  battered  and  decayed, 

Lets  in  new  lights  through  chinks  that  time  has  made. 

Stronger  by  weakness,  wiser  men  become 

As  they  draw  near  to  their  eternal  home; 

Leaving  the  old,  both  worlds  at  once  they  view, 

That  stand  upon  the  threshold  of  the  new. 

Waller. 

The  fruits  of  age,  less  fair,  are  yet  more  sound 
Than  those  a  brighter  season  pours  around; 
And,  like  the  stores  autumnal  suns  mature, 
Through  wintry  regions  unimpaired  endure.       Cowper. 

Age,  by  long  experience  well  informed, 

Well  read,  well  tempered,  with  religion  warmed, 

That  fire  abated  which  impels  rash  youth, 

Proud  of  his  speed,  to  overshoot  the  truth, 

As  time  improves  the  grape's  authentic  juice, 

Mellows  and  makes  the  speech  more  fit  for  use, 

And  claims  a  reverence,  in  his  shortening  day, 

That  't  is  an  honour  and  a  joy  to  pay.  Cowper. 

How  pure 
The  grace,  the  gentleness  of  virtuous  age  ! 
Though  solemn,  not  austere ;  though  wisely  dead 
To  passion,  and  the  wildering  dreams  of  hope, 
jS"ot  unalire  to  tenderness  and  truth, — 
The  good  old  man  is  honoured  and  revered, 
And  breathes  upon  the  young-limbed  race  around 
A  grey  and  venerable  charm  of  years. 

Robert  Montgomery. 

Youth,  with  swift  feet,  walks  onward  in  the  way, 

The  land  of  joy  lies  all  before  his  eyes ; 
Age,  stumbling,  lingers  slower  day  by  day, 

Still  looking  back,  for  it  behind  him  lies. 

Frances  Ann  Kemble. 


24  AGE. 

Oh!  Youth  is  firmly  bound  to  earth, 

When  hope  beams  on  each  comrade's  glance : 
His  bosom-chords  are  tuned  to  mirth, 

Like  harp-strings  in  the  cheerful  dance ; 
But  Age  has  felt  those  ties  unbound, 
Which  fixed  him  to  that  spot  of  ground 

Where  all  his  household  comforts  lay; 
He  feels  his  freezing  heart  grow  cold, 
He  thinks  of  kindred  in  the  mould, 
And  cries,  amid  his  grief  untold, 

"I  would  not  live  alway."  William  Knox. 

He  passeth  calmly  from  that  sunny  morn, 
Where  all  the  buds  of  youth  are  newly  born, 
Through  varying  internals  of  onward  years, 
Until  the  eve  of  his  decline  appears ; 
And  while  the  shadows  round  his  path  descend, 
And  down  the  vale  of  age  his  footsteps  tend, 
Peace  o'er  his  bosom  sheds  her  soft  control, 
And  throngs  of  gentlest  memories  charm  the  soul; 
Then,  weaned  from  earth,  he  turns  his  steadfast  eye 
Beyond  the  grave,  whose  verge  he  falters  nigh, 
Surveys  the  brightening  regions  of  the  blest, 
And,  like  a  wearied  pilgrim,  sinks  to  rest. 

Willis  G.  Clark. 

The  aged  christian  stands  upon  the  shore 

Of  Time,  a  storehouse  of  experience, 
Filled  with  the  treasures  of  rich  heavenly  lore ; 

I  love  to  sit  and  hear  him  draw  from  thence 
Sweet  recollections  of  his  journey  past, 
A  journey  crowned  with  blessings  to  the  last. 

Mrs.  St.  Leon  Loud. 

Why  should  old  age  escape  unnoticed  here, 

That  sacred  era  to  reflection  dear; 

That  peaceful  shore  where  passion  dies  away, 

Like  the  last  wave  that  ripples  o'er  the  bay; 

O,  if  old  age  were  cancelled  from  our  lot, 

Full  soon  would  man  deplore  the  unhallowed  blot; 

Life's  busy  day  would  want  its  tranquil  even, 

And  earth  would  lose  her  stepping-stone  to  Heaven. 

Caroline  Gihnan. 


ALMIGHTY.  25 


ALMIGHTY. 

1  AM  the  Almighty  God.— Genesis,  xvii.  1. 

If  thou  return  to  the  Almighty,  thou  shalt  be  built  up,  thou  shalt 
put  away  iniquity  far  from  thy  taben 

.  the  Almighty  shall  be  thy  defence,  and  thou  shalt  have  plenty 
of  >ilver. 

For  then  shalt  thou  have  thy  delight   in   the  Almighty,  and  shalt 
lift  up  thy  face  unto  God.— Job,  xxii.  28,  26,  26. 

And  when  they  went,  I   heard  the  noise   of  their  wings,  like  the 
noise  of  great  waters,  as  the  voice  of  the  Almighty. — Ezekiel,  i.  24. 

These  are  thy  glorious  works,  Parent  of  good ; 

Almighty  !  this  thy  universal  frame, 

Thus  wondrous  fair;  thyself  how  wondrous  then; 

Unspeakable!  who  sitt'st  above  the  heavens, 

To  us  invisible,  or  dimly  seen 

In  these  thy  lowest  works ;  yet  these  declare 

Thy  goodness  beyond  thought  and  power  divine. 

Speak,  ye  who  best  can  tell,  ye  sons  of  light, 

Angels!  for  ye  behold  him,  and  with  songs 

And  choral  symphonies,  day  without  night, 

Circle  his  throne  rejoicing:  ye  in  heaven, 

On  earth  join  all  ye  creatures  to  extol 

Him  first,  him  last,  him  midst,  and  without  end. 

Milton. 
What  though  th'  Almighty  s  regal  throne 
High  o'er  you  azure  heaven's  exalted  dome, 
By  mortal  eye  unkenned  ;  where  east,  nor  west, 
Nor  south,  nor  blustering  north  has  breath  to  blow  : 
Albeit  he  then  with  angels  and  with  saints 
Holds  conference,  and  to  his  radiant  host 
E'en  face  to  face,  stands  visibly  confest ; 
Yet  know  that  not  in  presence  nor  in  power, 
Shines  he  less  perfect  here  :  't  is  man's  dim  eye 
That  makes  the  obscurity.  Christopher  Stuart. 

Tell  me,  hast  ever  thought  upon  the  Being 

"Whom  we  Almighty  call  ?     Hast  ever  sent 

Thy  prayerful  thoughts  unto  His  holy  throne? 

And  felt  His  power,  and  trembled  at  the  thought? 

If  not,  I  cannot  call  thee  man !  thou  art 

A  stone,  a  clod,  a  dull  insensate  thing.  Old  Play. 


26  ALMIGHTY. 


Almighty  Father,  gracious  Lord, 

Kind  guardian  of  my  days, 
Thy  mercies  let  my  heart  record 

In  songs  of  grateful  praise. 

In  life's  first  dawn,  my  tender  frame, 

Was  thy  indulgent  care, 
Long  ere  I  could  pronounce  thy  name, 

Or  breathe  the  infant  prayer. 

Each  rolling  year  new  favours  brought 

From  thy  exhaustless  store  ; 
But  ah  !  in  vain  my  lab'ring  thought, 

Would  count  thy  mercies  o'er. 

While  sweet  reflection,  through  my  days, 

Thy  bounteous  hand  would  trace  ; 
Still  dearer  blessings  claim  my  praise, 

The  blessings  of  thy  grace.  Steele. 


Almighty  Father  of  mankind, 

On  thee  my  hopes  remain ; 
And,  when  the  day  of  trouble  comes, 

I  shall  not  trust  in  vain. 

Thou  art  our  kind  preserver,  from 

The  cradle  to  the  tomb, 
And  I  was  cast  upon  thy  care, 

E'en  from  my  mother's  womb. 

Thou  wilt  not  cast  me  off,  when  age 

And  evil  days  descend ; 
Thou  wilt  not  leave  me  in  despair 

To  mourn  my  latter  end. 

Therefore  in  life  I'll  trust  in  thee, 

In  death  I  will  adore ; 
And  after  death  will  sing  thy  praise, 

When  time  shall  be  no  more.  Logan. 


AMBITIOX.  '27 


AMBITION. 

A  IHGII  look,  and  a  proud  heart,  and  the  ploughing  of  the  wicked 
is  gin. — Pro  verba,  xxi.  -l. 

Though  thou  exalt  thyself  a6  the  eagle,  and  though  thou  set  thy 
nest  among  the  stars,  thence  will  I  bring  thee  down,  saith  the  Lord. 
— Obadiah.  4. 

unto  you   Flmrisees,  for  ye  lore  the  upper  in  the 

in  the  market?.— Luke,  xi.  4J. 

Twice  told  the  period  spent  on  stubborn  Troy, 
Court  favour,  yet  untaken,  I  besiege; 
Ambition  s  ill-judged  efforts  to  be  rich. 
Alas  !  Ambition  makes  my  little,  less  ; 
Embittering  the  possessed  :  why  wish  for  morer 
Wishing,  of  all  employments,  is  the  worst.  Young. 

Woe  to  thee,  wild  Ambition  !  I  employ 
Despair's  low  notes  thy  dread  effects  to  tell ; 

Born  in  high  heaven,  her  peace  thou  could'st  destroy  : 
And  but  for  thee,  there  had  not  been  a  hell. 

Through  the  celestial  domes  thy  clarion  pealed; 

Angels,  entranced,  beneath  thy  banners  ranged, 
And  straight  were  fiends ;  hurled  from  the  shrinking  field, 

They  waked  in  agony  to  wail  the  change. 

Darting  through  all  her  veins  the  subtle  fire, 

The  world's  fair  mistress  first  inhaled  thy  breath  ; 

To  lot  of  higher  beings  learned  to  aspire  ; 
Dared  to  attempt,  and  doomed  the  world  to  death. 

Maria  A.  Brooks. 

The  sons  of  earth 
Who,  vexed  with  vain  disquietude,  pursue 
Ambition's  fatuous  light  through  miry  pools, 
That  yawn  for  their  destruction,  stray,  foredoomed, 
Amid  delusive  shadows  to  their  end. 

William  Herbert, 

Ambition,  when  the  pinnacle  is  gained 
With  many  a  toilsome  step,  the  power  it  sought 
Wants  to  support  itself,  and  sighs  to  find 
The  envied  height  but  aggravates  the  fall. 

George  Bally. 


28  ANGELS. 


ANGELS. 

And  he  dreamed,  and  behold  a  ladder  set  up  on  the  earth,  and  the 
top  of  it  reached  to  Heaven  :  and  behold  the  angels  of  God  ascending 
and  descending  on  it. — Genesis,  xxviii.  12. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear  Him. 
and  delivereth  them. — Psalm  xxxiv.  7. 

For  He  shall  give  His  angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all 
thy  ways. 

They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands,  lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against 
a  stone. — Psalm  xci.  11,  12. 

Then  the  devil  leaveth  Him,  and  behold,  angels  came  and  ministered 
unto  Him. — Matthew,  iv.  11. 

Thinkest  thou  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my  Father,  and  He  shall 
presently  give  me  more  than  twelve  legions  of  angels. — Matthew, 
xxvi.  53. 

There  is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner 
that  repenteth. — Luke,  xv.  10. 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  hereafter  ye  shall  see  Heaven  open, 
and  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and  descending  upon  the  Son  of 
Man. — John,  i.  51. 

And  I  beheld,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of  many  angels  round  about 
the  throne,  and  the  beasts  and  the  elders  :  and  the  number  of  them 
was  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand,  and  thousands  of  thousands; 
Saying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to 
receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour, 
and  glory,  and  blessing. — Revelations,  v.  11,  12. 

And  I  saw  another  angel  fly  in  the  midst  of  Heaven,  having  the 
everlasting  gospel  to  preach  unto  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth. — 
Ptevelations,  xiv.  6. 

And  is  there  care  in  heaven  ?  and  is  there  love 
In  heavenly  spirits  to  the  creatures  base, 
That  may  compassion  of  their  evils  move  ? 
There  is  ;  else  much  more  wretched  were  the  case 
Of  men  than  beasts.     But  O  !  th'  exceeding  grace 
Of  highest  God  that  loves  his  creatures  so, 
And  all  his  works  with  mercy  doth  embrace, 
That  blessed  angels  he  sends  to  and  fro, 
To  serve  to  wicked  men,  to  serve  his  wicked  foe. 

Spenser. 
The  multitude  of  angels,  with  a  shout 
Loud  as  from  numbers  without  number,  sweet 
As  from  blest  voices  uttering  joy,  Heaven  rung 
With  jubilee,  and  loud  Hosanuas  filled 
The  eternal  regions  :  lowly  reverent 
Towards  either  throne  they  bow,  and  to  the  ground, 
With  solemn  adoration  down  they  cast 
Their  crowns  inwove  with  amaraut  and  gold.     Milton. 


29 

Angels  are  men  of  a  superior  kind  ; 

Angels  are  men  in  lighter  habit  clad, 

High  o'er  celestial  mountains  winged  in  flight  ; 

And  men  are  angels  loaded  for  an  hour, 

Who  wade  the  miry  vale,  and  climb  with  pain, 

And  slippery  step,  the  bottom  of  the  steep. 

Angels  their  failings,  mortals  have  their  praise ; 

While  here,  of  corps  ethereal,  such  enrolled, 

And  summoned  to  the  glorious  standard  soon, 

Which  flames  eternal  crimson  through  the  skies. 

Nor  are  our  brothers  thoughtless  of  their  kin, 

Yet  absent  but  not  absent  from  their  love. 

Michael  has  fought  our  battles  ;  Eaphael  sung 

Our  triumphs  ;  Gabriel  on  our  errands  flown, 

Sent  by  the  Sovereign  ;  and  are  these,  O  man ! 

Thy  friends  and  warm  allies,  and  thou  (shame  burn 

Thy  cheek  to  cinder!)  rival  to  the  brutes  !  Young. 

These  are  the  haunts  of  meditation,  these 

The  scenes  where  ancient  bards  the  inspiring  breath, 

Ecstatic  felt :  and,  from  this  world  retired, 

Conversed  with  angels,  and  immortal  forms, 

On  gracious  errands  bent :  to  save  the  fall 

Of  virtue,  struggling  on  the  brink  of  vice  ; 

In  waking  whispers,  and  repeated  dreams  ; 

To  hint  pure  thought,  and  warn  the  favoured  soul, 

For  future  trials  fated,  to  prepare.  Thomson. 

The}-  are  God's  minist'ring  spirits,  and  are  sent, 

His  messengers  of  mercy,  to  fulfil 
Good  for  salvation's  heirs.     For  us  they  still 
Grieve  when  we  sin,  rejoice  when  we  repent : 
And  on  the  last  dread  day  they  shall  present 
The  severed  righteous  at  His  holy  hill, 
With  them  God's  face  to  see,  to  do  His  will, 
And  bear  with  them  His  likeness.     Was  it  meant, 
That  we  this  knowledge  should  in  secret  seal, 
Unthought  of,  unimproving  ?     Rather  say, 
God  deigned  to  man  His  angel  hosts  reveal, 
That  man  might  learn,  like  angels,  to  obey ; 
And  those  who  long  their  bliss  in  Heaven  to  feel, 
"Might  strive  on  earth  to  serve  him  ev'n  as  they. 

Bp.  Mant. 


30  ANGELS. 

When  by  a  good  man's  grave  I  muse  alone, 

Methinks  an  angel  sits  upon  the  stone ; 

Like  those  of  old  on  that  thrice-hallowed  night, 

"Who  sate  and  watched  in  heavenly  raiment  bright ; 

And  with  a  voice  inspiring  joy,  not  fear, 

Said,  pointing  upward,  that  he  is  not  here, 

That  he  is  risen !  Samuel  Rogers. 

Elysian  race  !  while  o'er  their  slumbering  flocks 
The  Galilean  shepherds  watched,  ye  came 
To  sing  hosannas  to  the  heaven-born  Babe, 
And  shed  the  brightness  of  your  beauty  round : 
Nor  have  ye  left  the  world,  but  still,  unseen, 
Surround  the  earth,  as  guardians  of  the  good, 
Inspiring  souls,  and  leading  them  to  heaven ; 
And  oh !  when  shadows  of  the  state  unknown 
Advance,  and  life  endures  the  grasp  of  death, 
'T  is  yours  to  hallow  and  illume  the  mind, 
The  starry  wreath  to  bring,  by  angels  worn, 
And  crown  the  spirit  for  her  native  sphere. 

Robert  Montgomery. 

Hark!  what  mean  those  holy  voices, 

Sweetly  sounding  through  the  skies  ? 
Lo  !  the  angelic  host  rejoices, 

Heavenly  hallelujahs  rise. 
Listen  to  the  wondrous  story, 

Which  they  chant  in  hymns  of  joy  : 
"Glory  in  the  highest,  glory  ! 

Glory  be  to  God  most  high ! 
Peace  on  earth,  good  will  from  heaven, 

Reaching  far  as  man  is  found ; 
Souls  redeemed,  and  sins  forgiven  : — 

Loud  our  golden  harps  shall  sound!" 

Cawood. 
"Many  in  this  world  of  cares," 

Truly  hath  the  poet  said, 
"  Sit  with  angels  unawares  ;" 

Round  our  path,  and  round  our  bed, 
Angels  ever  watch  and  wait, 
Striving  still  to  turn  our  steps  unto  heaven's  gate. 

Anon. 


ANGEB.  31 


ANGER. 

o  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thine  <///;/•/•.  neither  chasten  rue  in  thy 
hot  cli-plcasuiv.  -  l'sahn  vi.  1. 

.itliful  man  Btirreth  ap  strife;   but  he  that  is  slow  to  anger 
appeaseth  strife.    Proverbs,  w.  18. 

Be  not  hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry}  for  anger  resteth  in  the  bosom 
of  fools.  — Ecclesiastee,  \  ii.  9. 

Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not  :  let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath. 
Bphesiana,  iv.  26. 


The  anger  of  the  Lord  ?     Oh,  dreadful  thought ! 

How  can  a  creature  frail  as  man  endure 

The  tempest  of  His  wrath?     Ah,  whither  flee 

To  'scape  the  punishment  he  well  deserves  ? 

Flee  to  the  cross  !  the  great  atonement  there 

Will  shield  the  sinner,  if  he  supplicate 

For  pardon  with  repentance  true  and  deep, 

And  faith  that  questions  not.     Then  will  the  frown 

Of  anger  pass  from  off  the  face  of  God, 

Like  a  black  tempest-cloud  that  hides  the  sun. 

Anon. 

The  golden  sun  is  going  down, 

Or  melting  in  the  west  away  : 
"Where  are  the  clouds  that  seem'd  to  frown 

So  darkly  on  the  rising  day  ? 
Molten  is  every  gloomy  fold, 
In  yonder  sea  of  liquid  gold. 

The  winds,  at  morn  so  rude  and  hoarse, 

Make  music  for  an  angel's  ear ; 
The  sun,  beclouded  in  his  course, 

Beholds  the  heavens,  at  evening,  clear, 
And  now  doth  with  the  tempest's  wreck 
His  glorious  pavilion  deck. 

Lord,  sure  thy  countenance  is  here; 

Thy  spirit  all  the  vale  informs : 
Whatever,  in  this  inward  sphere, 

Remains  to  tell  of  angry  storms, 
Oh!  let  it  melt  away,  and  leave 
No  cloud  to  darken  life's  calm  eve ! 

Joseph  Gostitk. 


32 


Angry  words  are  likely  spoken 

In  a  rash  and  thoughtless  hour; 
Brightest  links  of  life  are  broken, 

By  their  deep  insidious  power. 
Hearts  inspired  by  warmest  feeling, 

Ne'er  before  by  anger  stirred, 
Oft  are  rent  past  human  healing, 

By  a  single  angry  word. 

Poison  drops  of  care  and  sorrow, 

Bitter  poison  drops  are  they, 
Weaving  for  the  coming  morrow, 

Saddest  memories  of  to-day. 
Angry  words!  oh,  let  them  never 

From  thy  tongue  unbridled  slip  ; 
M!ay  the  heart's  best  impulse  ever, 

Check  them  ere  they  soil  the  lip. 

Love  is  much  too  pure  and  holy, 

Friendship  is  too  sacred  far, 
For  a  moment's  reckless  folly 

Thus  to  desolate  and  mar. 
Angry  words  are  lightly  spoken ; 

Bitterest  thoughts  are  rashly  stirred ; 
Brightest  links  of  life  are  broken, 

By  a  single  angry  word.  J.  Middleton. 


Angry  looks  can  do  no  good, 

And  blows  are  dealt  in  blindness, 
Words  are  better  understood, 

If  spoken  but  in  kindness. 

Simple  love  far  more  hath  wrought, 

Although  by  childhood  muttered, 
Then  all  the  battles  ever  fought, 

Or  oaths  that  men  have  uttered. 

Foolish  things  are  frowns  and  sneers, 

Angry  thoughts  revealing; 
Better  far  to  drown  in  tears, 

Harsh  and  angry  feeling. 

J.  Burbridge. 


APOSTLES. 


APOSTLES. 

HK  called  unto  Him  His  disciple-,  and  of  them  He  00086  Twelve, 
whom  also  He  named  Apostles. — Luke,  vi.  13. 

And  He  said  unto  them.  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature.  He  that  believeth  ami  i-  baptized  shall  be 
saved,  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned.— Mark,  xvi.  IS,  16. 

V(  shall  be  witnesses  unto  me  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Jndea. 
and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth. — Acts, 
i.  8. 

By  the  hands  of  the  Apostles  were  many  signs  and  wonders  wrought 
among  the  people.— Acts,  v.  12. 

And  He  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  prophets;  and  some,  evan- 
gelists; and  some,  pastors  and  teachers. — Ephesians,  iv.  11. 

And  the  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve  foundations,  and  in  them  the 
names  of  the  twelve  Apostles  of  the  Lamb. — Revelations,  xxi.  14. 

But  all  his  mind  is  bent  to  holiness, 

His  champions  are  the  prophets  and  apostles. 

Shakspere. 
When  because  faith  is  in  too  low  degree, 
I  thought  it  some  apostleship  in  me, 
To  speak  things  which  by  faith  alone  I  see. 

Donne. 
For  them  the  fullness  of  His  might  is  shown, 
O'erleaping  the  strong  bounds  of  Nature's  law  ; 
Grim  death  for  them  contracts  his  hasty  stride, 
And  checks  his  dart,  e'en  in  the  act  to  strike ; 
His  horrid  messengers,  disease  and  pain. 
Loose  their  remorseless  grasp  unwillingly, 
And  leave  their  prey  to  ease  and  thankfulness ; 
For  them  bright  wisdom  opens  all  her  stores, 
Her  golden  treasures  spreading  to  their  view, 
Whilst  Inspiration's  all  enlivening  light 
Hangs  hovering  o'er  their  heads  in  glittering  blaze; 
Warmed  by  the  ray,  they  pour  the  sacred  strain 
In  eloquence  seraphic.  Charles  Jenner. 

Oh !  who  shall  dare  in  this  frail  scene, 
On  holiest,  happiest  thoughts  to  lean. 

On  friendship,  kindred,  or  on  love  ? 
Since  not  Apostles  hands  can  clasp 
Each  other  in  so  firm  a  grasp, 

But  they  shall  change,  and  variance  prove. 
*  D 


34  APOSTLES. 


Yet  deem  not  on  such  parting  sad, 
Shall  dawn  no  welcome  dear  and  glad ; 

Divided  in  this  earthly  race, 
Together  at  the  glorious  goal, 
Each  leading  many  a  rescued  soul, 

The  faithful  champions  shall  embrace.        Keble. 

Sit  down,  and  take  thy  fill  of  joy 
At  God's  right  hand  a  bidden  guest, 

Drink  of  the  cup  that  cannot  cloy, 
Eat  of  the  bread  that  cannot  waste. 

O  great  Apostle  rightly  now 

Thou  readest  all  thy  Saviour  meant, 

What  time  his  grave,  yet  gentle  brow, 

In  sweet  reproof  on  thee  was  bent.  Keble. 

Rash  was  the  tongue,  and  unadvisedly  bold, 

Which  sought,  Salome,  for  thy  favoured  twain 

Above  their  fellows,  in  Messiah's  reign 
On  right,  on  left,  the  foremost  place  to  hold. 
More  rash,  perhaps,  and  bolder,  that  which  told 

Of  power  the  Saviour's  bitter  cup  to  drain, 
And.  passing  stretch  of  human  strength,  sustain 
His  bath  baptismal.     Lord,  by  Thee  enrolled 
Thy  servant,  grant  me  Thy  Almighty  grace, 

My  destined  portion  of  Thy  griefs  to  bear, 
Ev'n  what  Thou  wilt !     But  chiefly  grant,  Thy  face 

Within  Thy  glory's  realm  to  see,  whene'er 
Most  meet  Thy  wisdom  deems  ;  whate'er  the  place, 

It  must  be  blest,  for  Thou,  my  God,  art  there. 

Bp.  Mant. 

Thy  eloquence,  O  Paul,  thy  matchless  tongue, 
With  strong  persuasion,  as  with  magic's  voice, 
From  heathen  darkness  to  the  paths  of  light 
Led  the  benighted  wanderers,  who,  like  thee, 
Through  superstition's  gloomy  mazes  strayed, 
Till,  Heaven's  effulgence  bursting  on  the  view, 
To  thy  astonished  and  enraptured  sight 
Revealed  the  glories  of  unfading  day. 

William  Bolland. 


APOSTLES.  35 


Whose  is  that  sword — that  voice  and  eye  of  flame, 

That  heart  of  {inextinguishable  ire? 

Who  bears  the  dungeon-keys  ;  and  bonds,  and  fire? 
Along  his  dark  and  withering  path  lie  came — 
Death  in  his  looks,  and  terror  in  his  name, 

Tempting  the  might  of  heaven's  Eternal  Sire. 

Lo,  the  Light  shone!  the  sun's  veiled  beams  expire — 
A  Saviour's  self  a  Saviour's  lips  proclaim ! 
"Whose  is  yon  form  stretched  on  the  earth's  cold  bed, 

With  smitten  soul,  and  tears  of  agony, 
Mourning  the  past?  Bowed  is  the  lofty  head — 

E  ay  less  the  orbs  that  flushed  with  victory. 
Over  the  raging  waves  of  human  will 
The  Saviour's  spirit  walked — and  all  was  still ! 

Roscoe. 
'T  is  pitiful 
To  court  a  grin  when  you  should  woo  a  soul ; 
To  break  a  jest,  when  pity  would  inspire 
Pathetic  exhortation  ;  and  to  address 
The  skittish  fancy  with  facetious  tales, 
When  sent  with  God's  commission  to  the  heart ! 
So  did  not  Paul.     Direct  me  to  a  quip 
Or  meny  turn  in  all  he  ever  wrote, 
And  I  consent  you  take  it  for  your  text, 
Your  only  one,  till  sides  and  benches  fail. 
No,  he  was  serious  in  a  serious  cause, 
And  understood  too  well  the  mighty  terms 
That  he  had  taken  in  charge.     He  would  not  stoop 
To  conquer  those  by  jocular  exploits, 
Whom  truth  and  soberness  assailed  in  vain. 

Cowper. 
I  think  that  look  of  Christ  might  seem  to  say ; — 
'Thou  Peter,  art  thou  then  a  common  stone, 
Which  I  at  last  must  break  my  head  upon, 
For  all  God's  charge  to  His  high  angels,  may 
Guard  my  foot  better?  Did  I  yesterday 
Wash  thy  feet,  my  beloved,  that  they  should  run 
Quick  to  deny  me  'neath  the  morning  sun, — 
And  do  thy  kisses,  like  the  rest,  betray  r" 
The  cock  crows  coldly. — 'Go,  and  manifest 
A  late  contrition,  but  no  bootless  fear  ! 
For  when  the  deathly  need  is  bitterest, 


36  APOSTLES. 


Thou  shalt  not  be  denied,  as  I  am  here — 
My  voice,  to  God  and  angels,  shall  attest, — 
Because  I  knew  this  man,  let  him  be  clear.' 

Miss  Barrett. 

With  sudden  burst, 
A  rushing  noise,  through  all  the  sacred  band 
Silence  profound,  and  fixed  attention  claimed. 
A  chilling  terror  crept  through  every  heart, 
Mute  was  each  tongue,  and  pale  was  every  face. 
The  rough  roar  ceased ;  when,  borne  on  fiery  wings, 
The  dazzling  emanation  from  above 
In  brightest  vision  round  each  sacred  head 
Diffused  its  vivid  beams  :  mysterious  light ! 
That  rushed  impetuous  through  th'  awaking  mind, 
Whilst  new  ideas  filled  th'  impassive  soul, 
Fast  crowding  in,  with  sweetest  violence. 
'T  was  then  amazed,  they  caught  the  glorious  flame ; 
Spontaneous  flowed  their  all-persuasive  words, 
Warm  from  the  heart,  and  to  the  heart  addressed. 

Charles  Jenner. 

A  Caesar's  title  less  my  envy  moves, 
Than  to  be  styled  the  man  whom  Jesus  loves  ; 
What  charms,  what  beauties  in  his  face  did  shine, 
Reflected  ever  from  the  face  divine  !  Wesley. 

Ye  hallowed  martyrs,  who  with  fervent  zeal, 

And  more  than  mortal  courage,  greatly  dared 

To  preach  the  name  of  Jesus  ;  ye,  who  stood 

The  undaunted  champions  of  eternal  truth, 

Though  maddened  priests   conspired,  though   princes 

frowned, 
And  persecution,  with  ingenious  rage, 
Prepared  ten  thousand  torments.         William  Bolland. 

These,  O  Lord, 
Were  all  Thy  scanty  followers ;  by  Thee 
First  called,  first  rescued  from  a  world  of  woe, 
To  spread  salvation  into  distant  climes ! 
And  tell  the  meanest  habitant  of  earth 
"Glad  tidings  of  great  joy."  Madan. 


ASCENSION.  37 


ASCENSION. 

Lift  up  your  heads.  0  ye  gate*,  even  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting 
nd  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  glory?  The  Lord  of  Hosts,  He  is  the  King 
of  glory.— Psalm  xxiv.  9,  10. 

Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led  captivity  captive ;  thou 
hast  received  gifts  [or  men;  yea,  for  the  rebellious  also,  that  the 
Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them.  -Psalm  lxviii.  18. 

While  they  beheld,  He  was  taken  up.  and  a  cloud  received  Him 
oat  of  their  sight. 

And  while  they  looked  steadfastly  toward  Heaven,  as  He  went  up, 
behold  two  men  stood  by  them  in  white  apparel ; 

Which  also  said,  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye  gazing  up  into 
Heaven?  This  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into  Heaven, 
shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  Him  go  into  Heaven. — 
Acts,  i.  9,  10,  11. 

Now  that  he  ascended,  what  is  it  but  that  he  also  descended  first 
into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth? 

He  that  desceuded  is  the  same  also  that  ascended  up  far  above 
all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things.— Ephesians.  iv.  9,  10. 


Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  everlasting  gates. 
And  give  the  King  of  glory  to  come  in; 
Who  is  the  King  of  glory?     He  who  left 
His  throne  of  glory  for  the  pang  of  death ; 
Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  everlasting  gates, 
And  give  the  King  of  glory  to  come  in ; 
Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?     He  who  slew 
The  ravenous  foe  that  gorged  all  human  race! 
The  King  of  glory,  He  whose  glory  filled 
Heaven  with  amazement  at  His  love  to  man, 
And  with  divine  complacency  beheld 
Powers  most  illumined  wildered  in  the  theme. 


Young. 


Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates,  and  O  prepare, 
Ye  living  orbs,  your  everlasting  doors, 
The  King  of  glory  comes  ! 

What  King  of  glory  ?     He,  v<  hose  puissant  might 
Subdued  Abaddon,  and  the  infernal  powers 
Of  darkness  bound  in  adamantine  chains : 
Who,  wrapt  in  glory,  with  the  Father  reigns, 
Omnipotent,  immortal,  infinite ! 

James  Scott. 


38  ASCENSION. 


Majestical  He  rose 
Upborne,  and  steered  a  flight  of  gentlest  wing 
His  native  Heaven  to  gain ;  whilst  from  their  eye, 
That  to  its  centre  fixed,  in  mute  survey 
Pursued  the  ascending  glory,  a  bright  cloud, 
Of  bidden  access,  his  latest  presence  caught: 
By  angel  forms  supported,  who  in  song, 
Not  unperceived,  and  choral  symphony, 
Through  Heaven's  wide  empyrean  loud  rejoiced. 

Thomas  Hughes. 

Now,  O  my  soul, 
On  the  blest  summit  light  a  holy  flame! 
From  the  last  foot-print  of  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
The  conqueror  of  death,  let  incense  rise, 
And  enter  Heaven  with  thine  ascending  Lord ! 
Shake  off  the  chains,  and  all  the  dust  of  earth ! 
Go  up  and  breathe  in  the  sweet  atmosphere 
His  presence  purified,  as  He  arose ! 

Hannah  F.  Gould. 


Oh !  what  a  night  was  that  which  wrapt 

The  heathen  world  in  gloom  : 
Oh !  what  a  sun  that  broke  this  day 

Triumphant  from  the  tomb  ! 

Jesus,  the  friend  of  human  kind, 

With  strong  compassion  moved, 
Descended,  like  a  pitying  God, 

To  save  the  souls  He  loved. 

The  powers  of  darkness  leagued  in  vain 

To  bind  His  soul  in  death ; 
He  shook  their  kingdom,  when  He  fell, 

With  His  expiring  breath. 

And  now  His  conquering  chariot  wheels 

Ascend  the  lofty  skies ; 
While  broke  beneath  His  powerful  cross, 

Death's  iron  sceptre  lies. 

Mrs.  Barbauld. 


39 


atheism. 


Tub  wicked,  through  the  pride  of  his  countenance,  will  not  seek 
after  Gk>d:  God  la  not  in  all  his  thoughts.     Psalm  x.  1. 
The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no  God.— Psalm  xiv.  1. 

And  they  say,  How  doth  God  know;  and  is  there  knowledge  in  the 
Most  High'?- Psalm  lxxiii.  11. 

Is  not  God  in  the  height  i  i  Heaven?  and  behold  the  height  of  the 

stars,  how  high  tlu-y  are! 

And  thou  sayest,  How  'loth  God  know?  can  he  judge  through  the 
•lark  cloud  y-Jol).  xxii.  12.  13. 

For  this  they  willingly  arc  ignorant  of,  that  by  the  word  of  God 
the  heavens  were  of  old,  and  the  earth  standing  out  of  the  water, 
and  in  the  water. -II.   Peter,  iii.  ">. 

Having  no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world.— Ephesians,  ii.  12. 

"There  is  no  God,"  the  fool  in  secret  said  : 

"There  is  no  God  that  rules  or  earth  or  sky." 

Tear  off  the  band  that  binds  the  wretch's  head, 

That  God  ma}'  burst  upon  his  faithless  eye ! 

Is  there  no  God? — The  stars  in  myriads  spread, 

If  he  look  up.  the  blasphemy  deny  ; 

While  his  own  features,  in  the  mirror  read, 

Reflect  the  image  of  Divinity. 

Is  there  no  God? — The  stream  that  silver  flows. 

The  air  he  breathes,  the  ground  he  treads,  the  trees, 

The  flowers,  the  grass,  the  sands,  each  wind  that  blows, 

All  speak  of  God  ;  throughout,  one  voice  agrees, 

And,  eloquent,  His  dread  existence  shows : 

Blind  to  thyself,  ah,  see  him,  fool,  in  these ! 

Giovanni  Cotta. 

Hardening  by  degrees,  till  double  steel'd, 

Take  leave  of  Nature's  God,  and  God  reveal'd — 

Then  laugh  at  all  you  trembled  at  before ; 

And  joining  the  freethinker's  brutal  war, 

Swallow  the  two  grand  nostrums  they  dispense — 

That  Scripture  lies,  and  blasphemy  is  sense ; 

If  clemency,  revolted  by  abuse 

Be  damnable,  then  damn'd  without  excuse.         Cowper. 

These  are  they 
That  strove  to  pull  Jehovah  from  Hi's  throne, 
And  in  the  place  of  Heaven's  Eternal  King, 
Set  up  the  phantom  Chance.  Glynn. 


40  ATHEISM. 

The  owlet  Atheism, 
Sailing  on  obscene  wings  across  the  noon, 
Drops  his  blue-fringed  lids,  and  shuts  them  close, 
And,  hooting  at  the  glorious  sun  in  Heaven, 
Cries  out,  "Where  is  it?"  Coleridge. 

They  eat 
Their  daily  bread,  and  draw  the  breath  of  Heaven 
Without  or  thought  or  thanks  ;  Heaven's  roof,  to  them, 
Is  but  a  painted  ceiling  hung  wTith  lamps, 
No  more,  that  lights  them  to  their  purposes. 
They  wander  loose  about ;  they  nothing  see, 
Themselves  except,  and  creatures  like  themselves, 
Short-lived,  short-sighted,  impotent  to  save. 
So  on  their  dissolute  spirits,  soon  or  late, 
Destruction  cometh,  like  an  armed  man, 
Or  like  a  dream  of  murder  in  the  night. 
Withering  their  mortal  faculties,  and  breaking 
The  bones  of  all  their  pride.  Charles  Lamb. 

No  God !     Who  warms  the  heart  to  heave 

With  thousand  feelings,  soft  and  sweet, 
And  prompts  the  aspiring  soul  to  leave 

The  earth  we  tread  beneath  our  feet, 

And  soar  away  on  pinions  fleet, 
Beyond  the  scene  of  mortal  strife, 

With  fair  ethereal  forms  to  meet, 
That  tell  us  of  an  after  life  ?  William   Knox. 


"There  is  no  God,"  the  foolish  saith — 

But  none,  "  there  is  no  sorrow  :" 
And  Nature  oft  the  cry  of  Faith 

In  bitter  need  will  borrow. 
Eyes  which  the  preacher  could  not  school, 

By  way-side  graves  are  raised  ; 
And  lips  say  "God  be  pitiful," 

That  ne'er  said,  "God  be  praised." 

Miss  Barrett. 

An  Atheist's  laugh  's  a  poor  exchange, 

For  Deity  offended.  Burns. 


ATONEMENT.  41 


ATONEMENT. 

As  he  hath  done  this  day,  so  the  Lord  hath  commanded  to  do,  to 
make  an  atonement  for  you. —Leviticus,  viii.  34. 

Wherewith  shall  I  make  the  atonement,  that  ye  may  bless  the  inher- 
itance of  the  Lord?— II.  Samuel,  xxi.  3. 

We  also  joy  in  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  we  have 
now  received  the  atonement — Romans,  v.  11. 

Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation  through  faith  in  his 
blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness  for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are 
past. — Romans,  iii.  25. 

He  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins  ;  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  for  the 
sins  of  the  whole  world. — I.  John.  ii.  '_'. 

Who  His  own  self  bare  our  sins  in  His  own  body  on  the  tree,  that  we 
being  dead  to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness  :  by  whose  stripes  ye 
were  healed. — I.  Peter,  ii.  24. 

So  Man,  as  is  most  just, 
Shall  satisfy  for  man,  be  judged  and  die, 
And  dying,  rise,  and  rising,  with  Him  raise 
His  brethren,  ransomed  with  His  own  dear  life. 

Nor  can  this  be, 
But  by  fulfilling  that  which  Thou  didst  want, 
Obedience  to  the  law  of  God.  imposed 
On  penalty  of  death,  and  suffering  death, 
The  penalty  to  Thy  transgression  due : 
So  only  can  high  justice  rest  appaid.  Milton. 

'T  is  nothing  thou  hast  given  ;  then  add  thy  tears 
For  a  long  race  of  unrepenting  years  ; 
'T  is  nothing  yet,  yet  all  thou  hast  to  give ; 
Then  add  those  may-be  years  thou  hast  to  live ; 
Yet  nothing  still ;  then  poor  and  naked  come  ; 
Thy  Father  will  receive  his  unthrift  home, 
And  thy  blest  Saviour's  blood  discharge  the  mighty  sum. 

Dry  den. 
Look  humbly  upward,  see  His  will  disclose 
The  forfeit  first,  and  then  the  fine  impose ; 
A  mulct  thy  poverty  could  never  pay, 
Had  not  eternal  wisdom  found  the  way, 
And  with  celestial  wealth  supplied  thy  store ; 
His  justice  makes  the  fine,  His  mercy  quits  the  score. 
See  God  descending  in  the  human  frame ; 
The  offended  suffering  in  the  offender's  name  : 
All  thy  misdeeds  to  Him  imputed  see, 
And  all  his  righteousness  devolved  on  thee.        Dryden. 


42  ATONEMENT. 


Thou,  rather  than  thy  justice  should  be  stained, 
Did  stain  the  cross. 

O,  what  a  groan  was  there  !  a  groan  not  His. 
He  seized  our  dreadful  right ;  the  load  sustained, 
And  heaved  the  mountain  from  a  guilty  world. 

3 

What  needs  my  blood,  since  thine  will  do, 

To  pay  the  debt  to  justice  due  ? 

O,  tender  mercy's  art  divine  ! 

Thy  sorrow  proves  the  cure  of  mine ! 

Thy  dropping  wounds,  thy  woeful  smart, 

Allay  the  bleedings  of  my  heart : 

Thy  death,  in  death's  extreme  of  pain, 

Restores  my  soul  to  life  again  !  Parnell. 

The  Son  of  God 
Only  begotten,  and  well-beloved,  between 
Men  and  His  Father's  justice  interposed  ; 
Put  human  nature  on,  His  wrath  sustained, 
And  in  their  name  suffered,  obeyed,  and  died ; 
Making  His  soul  an  offering  for  sin, 
Just  for  unjust,  and  innocence  for  guilt. 

Thus  Truth  with  Mercy  met,  and  Righteousness, 
Stooping  from  highest  heaven,  embraced  fair  Peace, 
That  walked  the  earth  in  fellowship  and  love. 

Pollok. 
God's  own  son,  unblemished  victim,  gave 
Himself  a  sacrifice,  and  by  His  blood, 
Upon  the  cross  poured  forth,  washed  out  the  stain 
Of  primal  sin.  Samuel  Hayes. 

And  shall  the  sinful  heart,  alone, 
Behold,  unmoved,  the  atoning  hour, 

When  Nature  trembles  on  her  throne, 
And  death  resigns  his  iron  power  ? 

O,  shall  the  heart, — whose  sinfulness 

Gave  keenness  to  His  sore  distress, 

And  added  to  His  tears  of  blood — 

Refuse  its  trembling  gratitude  ?  Whittier. 


ATONEMENT.  43 


Jesus,  thy  name  beyond  all  nature  loud, 
Peals  like  the  trumpet  of  eternity. 
Through  all  the  chambers  of  responsive  faith, 
Making  them  echo  with  the  name  of  Christ! 
Nature  was  forfeit  when  the  first  man  fell 
To  sin,  and  whatsoe'er  in  nature  lives, 
In  reason,  morals,  or  in  mind  enacts 
Dominion,  from  His  vast  atonement  flows. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Advance,  O  hopeless  mortal,  steeled  in  guilt, 

Behold,  and  if  thou  canst,  forbear  to  melt! 

Shall  Jesus  die,  thy  freedom  to  regain, 

And  wilt  thou  drag  the  voluntary  chain? 

Wilt  thou  refuse  thy  kind  assent  to  give, 

When,  dying,  He  looks  down  to  bid  thee  live? 

Perverse,  wilt  thou  reject  the  proffered  good, 

Bought  with  His  life,  and  streaming  in  His  blood  ? 

Whose  virtue  can  thy  deepest  crimes  efface, 

Be-heal  thy  nature,  and  confirm  thy  peace ! 

Can  all  the  errors  of  thy  life  atone, 

And  raise  thee  from  a  rebel  to  a  son.  Boyse. 


Lamb  of  God !  Our  Priest  and  Pastor, 

Who  canst  bid  all  evil  cease, 
Ever  dear  and  holy  Master, 

Make  our  feeble  love  increase  ! 
So  that  when  we  seek  Thee,  owning 

That  Thy  wrath  is  our  deserts, 
Thou,  blest  Lord,  at  whose  atonement 

All  iniquity  departs, 
Mayest  speak  forth  from  Thine  enthronement, 

To  our  rent  and  wearied  hearts, 

"Sinner,  go  in  peace!"         C.  D.  Mc  Leod. 

Tune  your  harps  anew,  ye  seraphs, 

Join  to  sing  the  pleasing  theme ; 
All  on  earth  and  all  in  heaven 

Join  to  praise  Immanuel's  name ! 
Hallelujah! 

Glory  to  the  bleeding  Lamb  !  J.  Evans. 


u 


AVAEICE. 


SOME  remove  the  landmarks ;  they  violently  take  away  flocks,  and 
feed  thereof. 

They  drive  away  the  ass  of  the  fatherless,  they  take  the  widow's 
ox  for  a  pledge. 

They  turn  the  needy  out  of  the  way ;  the  poor  of  the  earth  hide 
themselves  together. — Job,  xxiv.  2,  3,  4. 

Woe  unto  them  that  join  house  to  house,  that  lay  field  to  field, 
till  there  be  no  place,  that  they  may  be  placed  alone  in  the  midst 
of  the  earth! — Isaiah,  v.  8. 

Your  gold  and  silver  is  cankered,  and  the  rust  of  them  shall  be 
a  witness  against  you,  and  shall  eat  your  flesh  as  it  were  fire.  Ye 
have  heaped  treasure  together  for  the  last  days. 

Behold,  the  hire  of  the  labourers  who  have  reaped  down  your 
fields,  which  is  of  you  kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth  :  and  the  cries  of 
them  which  have  reaped,  are  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  of 
Sabaoth.— James,  v.  3,  4. 

For  of  his  wicked  pelf  his  god  he  made, 
And  unto  hell  himself  for  money  sold : 
Accursed  usury  was  all  his  trade, 
And  right  and  wrong  alike  in  equal  balance  weighed. 

Spenser. 
If  thou  art  rich,  thou  art  poor; 
For,  like  an  ass,  whose  back  with  ingots  bows, 
Thou  bearest  thy  heavy  riches  but  a  journey, 
And  death  unloads  thee.  ShaJcspere. 

Woe  to  the  worldly  man,  whose  covetous 
Ambition  labours  to  join  house  to  house  ; 
Lay  field  to  field,  till  the  enclosures  edge 
The  plain,  girdling  a  country  with  one  hedge  : 
They  leave  no  place  unbought ;  no  piece  of  earth 
Which  they  will  not  engross  ;  making  a  dearth 
Of  all  inhabitants  ;  until  they  stand 
Unneighboured  as  unblest  within  the  land. 

Bishop  King. 

Gold  glitters  most  where  virtue  shines  no  more, 
As  stars  from  absent  suns,  have  leave  to  shine. 

Young. 
O  cursed  lust  of  gold  !  when  for  thy  sake 
The  fool  throws  up  his  interest  in  both  worlds; 
First  starved  in  this,  then  damned  in  that  to  come. 

Blair. 


AVARICE.  45 


Starve  beside  the  chests,  whose  every  corn 

At  the  last  day,  shall  in  the  court  of  Heaven 

Witness  against  thee.  Sir  E.  B.  Lytton. 

Avarice  o'ershoots 
Its  destined  mark  ;  and  with  abundance  cursed, 
In  wealth,  the  ills  of  poverty  endures. 

George  Bally. 
The  thirst  for  gold 
Hath  made  men  demons,  till  the  heart  that  feels 
The  impulse  of  impartial  love,  nor  kneels 
In  worship  foul  to  Mammon,  is  contemned. 

W.  R.  Burleigh. 
But  should  my  destiny  be  quest  of  wealth, 
Kind  Heaven,  oh  !  keep  my  tempted  soul  in  health  ! 
And  should 'st  thou  bless  my  toil  with  ample  store, 
Keep  back  the  madness  that  would  seek  for  more ! 

Thomas   Ward. 
Oh !  life  misspent — Oh  !  foulest  waste  of  time  ! 
No  time  has  he  his  grovelling  mind  to  store 
With  history's  truths,  or  philosophic  lore. 
No  charms  for  him  has  God's  all-blooming  earth — 
His  only  question  this — "What  are  they  worth?" 
Art,  nature,  wisdom,  are  no  match  for  gain ; 
And  even  religion  bids  him  pause  in  vain. 

Thomas   Ward. 
The  miser  comes,  his  heart  to  mammon  sold — 
His  life,  his  hope,  his  god,  his  all  is  gold. 
"To-morrow,  and  to-morrow,"  he  will  say, 
"Soul,  take  thine  ease,  for  thou  hast  many  a  day 
Whose  smiling  dawns  will  make  thee  to  rejoice." 
Hush !     Hark  the  echoes  of  that  awful  voice  ! 
"Thou  fool !     This  night  yield  up  thy  earthly  trust !" 
Gaze  once  again,  his  treasures  are  but  dust. 

B.  D.  Winslow. 
Gold !  gold  !  in  all  ages  the  curse  of  mankind, 
Thy  fetters  are  forged  for  the  soul  and  the  mind : 
The  limbs  may  be  free  as  the  wings  of  a  bird, 
And  the  mind  be  the  slave  of  a  look  or  a  word. 
To  gain  thee,  men  barter  eternity's  crown, 
Yield  honour,  affection,  and  lasting  renown. 

Park  Benjamin. 


46  AWAKE. 


AWAKE— ARISE. 

Awake  up,  my  glory ;  awake  psaltery  and  harp ;  I  myself  will  awake 
early. — Psalm  lvii.  8. 

Arise,  shine;  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is 
risen  upon  thee. 

And  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and  kings  to  the  bright- 
ness of  thy  rising. — Isaiah,  lx.  1,  3. 

Arise  ye,  and  depart,  for  this  is  not  your  rest ;   because  it  is  pol- 
luted.— Micah,  ii.  10. 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun, 
Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  early  rise, 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

Wake,  and  lift  up  thyself,  my  heart, 
And  with  the  angels  bear  a  part, 
Who  all  night  long  unwearied  sing 
High  praises  to  the  eternal  King. 

Glory  to  God,  who  safe  hath  kept, 

And  hath  refreshed  me  while  I  slept, 

Grant  Lord,  when  I  from  death  shall  wake, 

I  may  of  endless  life  partake.  Kenn. 

J.wake  our  souls,  and  bless  his  name, 

Whose  mercies  never  fail ; 
Who  opens  wide  a  door  of  hope, 

In  Achor's  gloomy  vale. 

Behold  the  portal  wide  displayed, 

The  buildings  strong  and  fair ; 
Within  are  pastures  fresh  and  green, 

And  living  streams  are  there. 

Enter  my  soul  with  cheerful  haste, 

For  Jesus  is  the  door  ; 
Nor  fear  the  serpent's  wily  arts, 

Nor  fear  the  lion's  roar. 

O  may  thy  grace  the  nations  lead, 

And  Jews  and  Gentiles  come, 
All  travelling  in  one  narrow  path, 

To  one  eternal  home.  Doddridge. 


AWAKE.  47 


Arise,  thou  bright  and  morning  star, 
And  send  thy  silvery  beams  afar ; 
Dispel  the  shades  of  dreary  night, 
And  let  me  hail  the  dawning  light. 

Blinded  by  sin  I  went  astray, 
And,  wand'ring,  left  the  heavenly  way ; 
Dart  forth  thy  soul-reviving  rays, 
And  guide  me  all  my  future  days. 

"With  growing  strength  may  I  pursue 
The  course  which  heavenly  wisdom  drew, 
Till  I  shall  reaeh  the  blissful  shore, 
Where  pilgrims  rest,  and  stray  no  more. 

Beddome. 

Deathless  principle  arise! 
Soar  thou  native  of  the  skies  ! 
Pearl  of  price  by  Jesus  bought, 
To  his  glorious  likeness  wrought ; 
Go,  to  shine  before  his  throne, 
Deck  his  mediatorial  crown, 
Go,  his  triumphs  to  adorn, 
Made  for  God,  to  God  return. 

See  the  haven  full  in  view, 

Love  divine  shall  bear  thee  through ; 

Trust  to  that  propitious  gale, 

Weigh  thy  anchor,  spread  the  sail, 

Saints  in  glory  perfect  made, 

Wait  thy  passage  through  the  shade, 

Ardent  for  thy  coming  o'er, 

See  they  throng  the  distant  shore  ! 

Mount,  their  transports  to  improve, 
Join  the  longing  choirs  above, 
Swiftly  to  their  wish  be  given, 
Kindle  higher  joys  in  heaven  ! 
— Such  the  prospects  that  arise 
To  the  dying  christian's  eyes ! 
Such  the  glorious  vista,  faith 
Opens  through  the  shades  of  death. 

Toplady. 


48  AWE. 


AWE. 


STAND  in  awe  and  sin  not ;   commune  with  your  own  heart   upon 
your  bed,  and  be  still. — Psalm  iv.  4. 

Princes  have  persecuted  me  without  a  cause  :  but  my  heart  standeth 
in  awe  of  thy  word. — Psalm  cxix.  161. 

'T is  dreadful! 

How  reverend  is  the  place  of  this  tall  pile, 

Whose  ancient  pillars  rear  their  marble  heads, 

To  bear  aloft  the  arched  and  pond'rous  roof, 

By  its  own  weight  made  steadfast  and  immoveable  ! 

Looking  tranquillity  ;  it  strikes  an  awe 

And  terror  to  my  aching  sight.     The  tombs 

And  monumental  caves  of  death  look  cold, 

And  shoot  a  dullness  to  my  trembling  heart. 

Congreve. 

So  in  the  faces  of  all  these  there  grew, 
As  by  one  impulse,  a  dark,  freezing  awe, 
Which,  with  a  fearful  fascination,  drew 
All  eyes  towards  the  altar ;  damp  and  raw 
The  air  grew  suddenly,  and  no  man  knew 
Whether  perchance  his  silent  neighbour  saw 
The  dreadful  thing,  which  all  were  sure  would  rise 
To  scare  the  strained  lids  wider  from  their  eyes. 

The  incense  trembled  as  it  upward  sent 
Its  slow,  uncertain  thread  of  wandering  blue, 
As  't  were  the  only  living  element 
In  all  the  church,  so  deeply  the  stillness  grew ; 
It  seemed  one  might  have  heard  it,  as  it  went, 
Give  out  an  audible  rustle,  curling  through 
The  midnight  silence  of  the  awe-struck  air, 
More  hushed  than  death,  though  no  such  life  was  there. 

Jas.  It.  Lowell. 

When  on  Sinai's  top  I  see 

God  descend  in  majesty, 

To  proclaim  His  holy  law, 

All  my  spirit  sinks  with  awe. 

J.  Montgomery. 

With  sacred  awe  pronounce  His  name, 

Whom  words  nor  thoughts  can  reach.         Needham. 


4<* 


BAPTISM. 


therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name 
<.f  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holj  Ghost.  Matthew. 
\wiii.  19. 

One  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism.     Bphesians,  iv.  5. 

Buried  with  Him  in  Baptism,  wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  Him 
through  the  faith  of  the  operation  of  God,  who  hath  raised  Him  from 
the  dead.    Colossians,  ii.  12. 

The  like  figure  whereunto,  even  /lap/ism  doth  al~o  now  save  n~.  not 
the  putting  away  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good 
conscience  toward  God.  -I.  Peter,  iii.  21. 

Then  who  shall  behove 
Baptizing  in  the  profluent  stream,  the  sign 
Of  washing  them  from  guilt  of  sin,  to  life 
Pure,  and  in  mind  prepared,  if  so  befal, 
For  death  like  that  which  the  Redeemer  died. 

Hilton. 
Since  Lord  to  Thee 
A  narrow  way  and  little  gate 
Is  all  the  passage  ;  on  my  infancy 
Thou  didst  lay  hold,  and  antedate 
My  faith  in  me. 

O  let  me  still 
Write  Thee,  great  God,  and  me,  a  child  : 
Let  me  be  soft  and  supple  to  Thy  will, 
Small  to  myself,  to  others  mild, 

Be-hither  ill.  George  Herbert. 

Baptized  as  for  the  dead,  He  rose 

With  prayer  from  Jordan's  hallowed  flood: 
Ere  long  by  persecuting  foes, 

To  be  baptized  in  His  own  blood  : 
The  Father's  voice  proclaimed  the  Son, 
The  Spirit  witnessed  ; — these  are  one. 

James  Montgomery. 
Thus,  made  partakers  of  Thy  love, 

The  Baptism  of  the  Spirit  ours, 
Our  grateful  hearts  shall  rise  above. 

Renewed  in  purposes  and  powers  ; 
And  songs  of  joy  again  shall  ring 

Triumphant  through  the  arch  of  heaven  ; — 
The  glorious  song  which  angels  sing, 

Exulting  over  souls  forgiven  !  W.  E.  Burleigh. 

*  E 


50  BAPTISM. 


The  heir  of  Heaven,  henceforth  I  dread  not  Death! 
In  Christ  I  live,  in  Christ  I  draw  the  breath 
Of  the  true  life.     Let  Sea,  and  Earth,  and  Sky, 
Wage  war  against  me:  on  my  front  I  show 
The  mighty  Master's  seal!     In  vain  they  try 
To  end  my  life,  who  can  but  end  its  woe. 

Coleridge. 

Ere  Christ  ascended  to  his  throne, 
He  issued  forth  his  great  command — 

Go  preach  the  gospel  to  the  world, 
And  spread  my  name  to  every  land. 

To  men  declare  their  sinful  state, 

The  methods  of  my  grace  explain; 
He  that  believes,  and  is  baptized, 

Shall  everlasting  life  obtain. 

Dear  Saviour,  we  thy  will  obey, 

Not  of  constraint,  but  with  delight ; 

Hither  thy  servants  come  to-day, 
To  honour  thine  appointed  rite. 

Descend  again,  celestial  Dove, 

On  these  dear  followers  of  the  Lord  ; 

Exalted  head  of  all  the  Church, 
Thy  promised  aid  to  them  afford. 

Let  faith,  assisted  now  by  signs, 
The  mysteries  of  thy  love  explore; 

And  washed,  in  thy  redeeming  blood, 

Let  them  depart,  and  sin  no  more.         Beddome. 

The  cross  of  Christ!   The  cross  of  Christ! 

While  yet  my  days  were  few, 
'T  was  traced  upon  my  infant  brow, 

Fresh  with  life's  morning  dew; 
In  token  that  in  after  years, 

Strong  in  its  power  and  might, 
I  should  beside  Christ's  followers  stand, 

Under  His  banners  fight.  Matilda  F.  Dana. 


BAPTIST,    JOHN*    THE.  51 


BAPTIST,  JOHN  THE. 

In   those  flaya  came  John  th  r  In  the  wilderness 

oi"  Judea.  •  Matthew,  iii.  1. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  Jesus  came  from  Nazareth 
of  Galilee,  and  was  baptized  of  John  in  .Ionian. 

And  straightway  coming  up  out  of  the  water,  he  saw  the  Heavens 
opened,  and  the  Spirit  like  a  dove  descending  upon   Him: 

And  there  came  a  voice  from   II  B  Chou  art  My  Beloved 

Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. — Mark,  i.  9,  10,  11. 

I  say  unto  you,  among  those  thai  are  born  of  women,  there  is  not 
a  greater  prophel  than  John  the  Baptist;  but  he  that  is  least  in  the 
kingdom  of  God  is  greater  than  he.     Luke,  vii.  2s. 


Now  had  the  great  Proclaimcr,  with  a  voice 
More  awful  than  the  sound  of  trumpet,  cried 
Repentance,  and  Heaven's  kingdom  nigh  at  hand 
To  all  baptized  :  to  his  great  baptism  nocked 
With  awe,  the  regions  round,  and  with  them  came 
From  Nazareth,  the  Son  of  Joseph  deemed, 
To  the  flood  Jordan,  came  as  then  obscure, 
Unmarked,  unknown  :  but  him  the  Baptist  soon 
Descried,  divinely  warned  ;  and  witness  bore 
As  to  his  worthier,  and  would  have  resigned 
To  Him  this  heavenly  office,  nor  was  long 
His  witness  unconfirmed  ;  on  Him  baptized 
Heaven  opened,  and  in  likeness  of  a  dove 
The  Spirit  descended,  while  the  Father's  voice 
From  heaven  pronounced  Him  His  Beloved  Son. 

Milton. 

Well  mayest  thou  tremble,  Baptist ;  well  thy  cheek, 
Now  flushed,  now  pale,  thy  labouring  soul  bespeak  ! 
'T  is  He,  the  Christ,  by  every  bard  foretold ! 
Hear  Him,  ye  nations,  and  ye  Heavens  behold ! 
The  Virgin-born,  to  bruise  the  Serpent's  head, 
The  Paschal  Lamb,  to  patient  slaughter  led, 
The  King  of  kings,  to  crush  the  gates  of  Hell, 
Messiah,  Shiloh,  Jah,  Emmanuel ! 
See,  o'er  His  head,  soft  sinking  from  above, 
With  hovering  radiance  hangs  the  mystic  Dove : 
Dread  from  the  cloud  Jehovah's  voice  is  known, 
"This  is  my  Son,  my  own,  my  well-loved  Son !" 

C.  H.  Johnson. 


52  BAPTIST,    JOHN    THE. 

Why  crowd  ye  cities  forth  ?  some  reed  to  find, 
Some  vain  reed  trembling  to  the  careless  wind  ? 
Or  throng  ye  here  to  view  with  doting  eye, 
Some  chieftain  stand  in  purple  pageantry  ? 
Some  dwell  in  kingly  domes — no  silken  form 
Woos  the  stern  wind  and  braves  the  mountain  storm. 
What  rush  ye  there  to  seek  ?  some  Prophet-seer  ? 
One  mightier  than  the  Prophets  find  ye  here — 
The  loftiest  bard  that  waked  the  sacred  lyre. 
To  him  in  rapture  poured  his  lips  of  fire  ; 
Attuned  to  him  the  voice  of  Sion  fell — 
Thy  name,  Elias,  closed  the  mystic  shell. 

C.   H.  Johnson. 

In  Judah's  rugged  wilderness, 

Where  Jordan  rolls  his  flood, 
In  manners  strict,  and  rude  of  dress, 

The  holy  Baptist  stood. 

And  while  upon  the  river's  side, 

The  people  thronged  to  hear, 
"Repent,"  the  sacred  preacher  cried, 

"The  heavenly  kingdom's  near." 

JSTow  Jesus  to  the  stream  descends ; 

His  feet  the  waters  lave  ; 
And  o'er  his  head,  that  humbly  bends, 

The  Baptist  pours  the  wave. 

When,  lo  !  a  heavenly  form  appears, 

Descending  as  a  dove  ; 
And  wondrous  sounds  the  assembly  hears, 

Proclaiming  from  above. — 

"This  is  my  well-beloved  Son, 

On  him  my  spirit  rests ; 
Now  is  his  reign  of  grace  begun, 

Attend  his  high  behests." 

The  sacred  voice  has  reached  our  ear, 

And  still  through  distant  lands 
Shall  sound,  till  all  His  name  revere, 

And  honour  His  commands.  T.  Fletcher 


BEAUTIFUL.  53 


BEAUTIFUL. 

One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after;  that 
I  may  dwell  in  tlie  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  be- 
hold the  beauty  of  the  L-  rd,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple. — Psalm 
xxvii.  4. 

When  thon  with  rebukes  dost  correct  man  for  iniquity,  thou  makest 
his  I',  ,utt>i  to  consume  away  like  a  moth.— Psalm  xxxix.  11. 

Favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain:  but  a  woman  that  feareth 
the  Lord,  she  shall  be  praised.  -Proverbs,  xxxi.  SO. 

I  have  seen  the  travail,  which  God  hath  given  to  the  sons  of  men 
to  be  exercised  in  it. 

He  hath  made  everv  thincr  beautiful  in  his  time.— Ecclesiastes,  iii. 
10,  11. 

Oh,  what  is  Beauty  s  power? 

It  flourishes  and  dies  ; 
Will  the  cold  earth  its  silence  break. 
To  tell  how  soft,  how  smooth  a  cheek 
Beneath  its  surface  lies  ? 
Mute,  mute  is  all, 
O'er  Beauty  s  fall ; 
Her  praise  resounds  no  more,  when  mantled  in  her  pall. 

The  most  beloved  on  earth 

Not  long  survives  to-day; 
So  music  past  is  obsolete, 
And  yet  't  was  sweet,  't  was  passing  sweet, 
But  now  'tis  gone  away. 
Thus  does  the  shade 
In  evening  fade, 
"When  in  forsaken  tomb  the  form  beloved  is  laid. 

H  K.  White. 
At  Thy  rebuke,  the  bloom 

Of  man's  vain  beauty  flies  ; 
And  grief  shall,  like  a  moth,  consume 

All  that  delights  our  eyes.  J.  Montgomery. 

A  sinful  soul  possessed  of  many  gifts, 

A  spacious  garden  full  of  flowering  weeds, 

A  glorious  devil,  large  in  heart  and  brain. 

That  did  love  beauty  only,  (beauty  seen 

In  all  varieties  of  mould  and  mind,) 

And  knowledge  for  its  beauty ;  or  if  good, 

Good  only  for  its  beauty.  Tennyson. 


54  BEAUTIFUL. 


Tlie  beautiful,  the  beautiful! 

Where  do  we  find  it  not  ? 
It  is  an  all-pervading  grace, 

And  lighteth  every  spot. 

It  sparkles  on  the  ocean-wave — 

It  glitters  in  the  dew  ; 
We  see  it  in  the  glorions  sky, 

And  in  the  flow'refs  hue. 

On  mountain-top,  in  valley  deep, 

We  find  its  presence  there  ; 
The  beautiful,  the  beautiful  I 

It  liveth  every  where. 

The  glories  of  the  noontide-day, 

The  still  and  solemn  night, 
The  changing  seasons,  all  can  bring 

Their  tribute  of  delight. 

There  's  beauty  in  the  dancing  beam 

That  brightens  childhood's  eye, 
And  in  the  Christian's  parting  glance, 

Whose  hope  is  fix'd  on  high. 

And  in  the  being  whom  our  love 

Hath  chosen  for  its  own, 
How  beautiful  I  how  beautiful  ! 

Is  every  look  and  tone. 

'T  was  in  that  glance  that  God  threw  o'er 

The  young  created  earth, 
When  he  pronounced  it  "very  good," 

The  beautiful  had  birth. 

Then  who  shall  say  this  world  is  dull, 

And  all  to  sadness  given, 
While  yet  there  lives  on  every  side 

The  smile  that  came  from  heaven  ? 

If  so  much  loveliness  is  sent 

To  grace  our  earthly  home, 
How  beautiful — how  beautiful 

Will  be  the  world  to  come  !  Anon. 


BELIEF.  55 


BELIEF-UNBELIEF. 

1 1    \  e  will  not  b>  I  1-aiah,  \ii.  :». 

Lord,  I  believe;  help  thou  min< 

Lot  not  your  heart  be  troubl,  .  m  also  in  me. 

John,  xiv.  1. 

For  what,  if  some  <li<  1  not  i„  lit  r-  t  shall  their  unbelief  make  the  faith 
of  < ("d* without  effect  ?     G-od  forbid.— Romans,  :u. 

God  hath  from  the  besrinnin?  chosen  you  to  salvation,  through  saneti- 
fication  of  the  spirit  and  belief  of  the  troth.  -II.  Thessalonians,  ii.  lo. 

Such  my  belief.     Oh,  that  thou  would'st  thy  bold, 

Infatuated,  withering  doubt  discard! 

The  flower  would  be  more  sweet,  the  moon  more  fresh, 

The  sun  more  bright,  the  sky  more  blue,  the  night 

(The  natural  season  for  deep  thought)  less  dark: 

Life's  cares,  and  wan  disease,  would  blessings  be, 

And  death  (annihilation's  herald  now) 

The  harbinger  of  everlasting  bliss. 

Dare  then  be  wise.     Dash  down  the  subtle  web, 

Thy  pride  of  intellect  had  round  thee  wove, 

Despised  into  the  dust ;  believe  in  God ; 

Obey  His  will; — and  then  thy  rescued  soul 

Shall,  on  angelic  pinions,  wing  its  way 

To  heaven's  bright  realms  of  pure  beatitude. 

T.  L.  Merritt. 

Believe  and  fear  not !     In  the  blackest  cloud 
A  sunbeam  hides ;  and  from  the  deepest  pang 
Some  hidden  mercy  may  a  God  declare  ! 

R.  Montgomery m 

Since  fools  alone  all  things  believe 

In  cloister  hatch'd,  or  college, 
Some,  by  believing  nothing,  think 

They  're  at  the  height  of  knowledge. 
And  yet  to  have  no  faith  demands 

More  faith  thau  is  supposed, 
For  sceptics  have  their  creed, — of  things 

Incredibly  composed. 
Some  truths  above  our  reason,  we 

Reject  not,  but  receive  •. 
Against  all  reason,  infidels 

Unnumber'd  lies  believe.  C.  C.  Colton. 


56  BELLS. 


BELLS. 

AND  beneath,  upon  the  hem  of  it,  thou  shalt  make  pomegranates  of 
blue,  and  of  purple,  and  of  scarlet,  round  about  the  hem  thereof ;  and 
bells  of  gold  between  them  round  about. 

And  it  shall  be  upon  Aaron  to  minister  :  and  his  sound  shall  be 
heard  when  he  goeth  in  unto  the  holy  place  before  the  Lord,  and  when 
he  cometh  out,  that  he  die  not. — Exodus,  xxviii.  33,  35. 

In  that  day  shall  there  be  upon  the  bells  of  the  horses,  Holiness 
unto  the  Lord.— Zechariah,  xiv.  20. 

What  a  deep  murmur  on  the  night-air  swells, 

What  a  clear  tone  draws  irresistibly 
The  goblet  from  my  mouth.     Ye  hollow  bells, 

Proclaim  ye  Easter's  dawn  is  drawing  nigh  ? 
The  word  of  hope  in  that  sweet  music  ringing, 

That  once,  when  o'er  his  sepulchre  did  close 

The  shades  of  night,  from  angel  lips  arose, 
Assurance  of  a  covenant  renew'd  to  mortals  bringing. 

•A?  TP  TT  'A1  tP  ■«* 

What  in  your  mighty  sweetness,  do  you  seek, 

Ye  tones  of  Heaven,  with  me  that  dwell  in  dust? 
Seek  elsewhere  mortals  flexible  and  weak. 

I  hear  the  message,  but  I  cannot  trust ; 
Faith's  chosen  child  is  the  miraculous. 

I  dare  not  strive  those  distant  spheres  to  gain, 
From  whence  these  holy  tidings  came  to  us ; 

And  yet  it  seems  that  long-remembered  strain, 

In  youth,  recalls  me  back  to  life  again. 
The  kiss  of  heavenly  love  upon  me  fell, 

In  the  deep  stillness  of  the  sabbath  calm, 
The  heartfelt  fullness  of  the  sabbath  hell, 

A  prayer  to  my  glad  soul  sufficient  balm, 
Beyond  conception  sweet ;  a  holy  longing 

Drove  me  to  wander  forth  through  wood  and  mead ; 
And  in  the  thousand  tear-drops  warmly  thronging, 

I  felt  a  world  grow  up,  mine  own  indeed. 
The  joyous  sports  of  youth  those  tones  revealing, 

Of  the  spring  feast  once  more  the  joy  unfolds, 
And  recollection,  fraught  with  childish  feeling, 

Me  from  the  last  dread  step  of  all  withholds. 
Oh  sound,  sound  on,  thou  sweet  celestial  strain, 
The  tears  well  forth,  the  earth  hath  me  again. 

Goethe  s  "Faust." 


BELLS.  57 


List  not  those  cries !     How  strangely  do  they  blend 

^Vitll  the  sweet  bells  from  yonder  gothic  tower, 

Pealing  athwart  the  water.     Such  the  contrast 

Of  wild  religious  awe  to  earthly  clamour, 

For  on  the  morrow,  and  the  morrow's  morrow, 

At  this  still  hour  those  bells  will  still  peal  on  ; 

But  these  harsh  sinful  cries,  the  moment's  offspring, 

Will  with  the  moment  pass  to  nought  away, 

They,  and  the  passions,  even  as  briefly  raging ; 

And,  as  the  echo  of  those  cries,  borne  far 

Up  the  deep  silvery  Thames,  there  dies  in  air 

In  the  dim  distance,  seeming  well  to  blend 

With  the  calm  beauty  of  the  hour,  and  heighten 

The  melody  of  silence  ;  so  the  thought 

On  this  vain  uproar  shall  in  future  years 

Prove  but  a  gentle  memory !  since  we  shared 

The  cares  it  wooed  to  life,  together.       Archer  Gurney. 

Stop,  O  stop  the  passing  bell  ! 

Painfully,  too  painfully, 
It  strikes  against  the  heart,  that  knell, 
I  cannot  bear  its  tones — they  tell 

Of  misery,  of  misery  ! 
All  that  soothed  and  sweetened  life, 
In  the  mother  and  the  wife — 
All  that  would  a  charm  have  cast 
O'er  the  future,  as  the  past — 
All  is  torturing  in  that  knell ! 
Stop,  O  stop  the  passing  bell ! 

Stop  it !  no — but  change  the  tone, 

And  joyfully,  ah,  joyfully, 
Let  the  altered  chimes  ring  on, 
For  the  spirit  that  hath  flown, 

Exultingly,  exultingly  ! 
She  hath  left  her  couch  of  pain, 
She  shall  never  feel  again, 
But  as  angels  feel ! — afar, 
Chimed  beyond  the  morning  star, 
Agony  and"  death  unknown ! 
Let  the  joyful  chimes  ring  on  !  Robert  Story. 


58  BENEFICENCE. 


BENEFICENCE-BENEVOLENCE. 

THOU  openest  thine  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good. — Psalm  civ.  28. 

G-ive,  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you.— Luke,  vi.  38. 

Let  the  husband  render  unto  the  wife  due  benevolence :  and  likewise 
also  the  wife  unto  the  husband. — I.  Corinthians,  vii.  3. 

Be  rich  in  good  works,  ready  to  distribute. — I.  Timothy,  vi.  18. 

Nature  all 

Is  blooming  and  beneficent,  like  Thee.  Thomson. 

Some  high,  or  humble  enterprise  of  good 
Contemplate,  till  it  shall  possess  thy  mind, 
Become  thy  study,  pastime,  rest,  and  food, 
And  kindle  in  thy  heart  a  flame  refined. 
Pray  Heaven  for  firmness  thy  whole  soul  to  bind 
To  this  thy  purpose — to  begin,  pursue, 
With  thoughts  all  fixed,  and  feelings  purely  kind  ; 
Strength  to  complete,  and  with  delight  review, 

And  grace  to  give  the  praise  where  all  is  ever  due. 

Rouse  to  some  work  of  high  and  holy  love, 
And  thou  an  angel's  happiness  shalt  know, — 
Shall  bless  the  earth,  while  in  the  world  above 
The  good  begun  by  thee  shall  onward  flow 
In  many  a  branching  stream,  and  wider  grow  ; 
The  seed  that  in  these  few  and  fleeting  hours 
Thy  hands  unsparing  and  unwearied  sow, 
Shall  deck  thy  grave  with  amaranthine  flowers, 

And  yield  thee  fruits  divine  in  heaven's  immortal  bowers. 

Charles   Wilcox. 

The  heart  has  tendrils  like  the  vine. 

Which  round  another's  bosom  twine. 

Outspringing  from  the  parent  tree 

Of  deeply-planted  sympathy, 

Whose  flowers  are  hope,  its  fruits  are  bliss ; 

'Beneficence  its  harvest  is.  J.  Boivring. 

Trees,  and  flowers,  and  streams, 
Are  social  and  benevolent ;  and  he 
Who  oft  communeth  in  their  language  pure, 
Roaming  among  them  at  the  cool  of  day, 
Shall  find,  like  him  who  Eden's  garden  dressed, 
His  Maker  there  to  teach  his  listening  heart. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 


BENEFIT.  59 


BENEFIT. 

Blessed  bo  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth  us  with  benefits,  even  the 
God  of  our  salvation.— Psalm  lxviii.  19. 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits— Psalm 
eiii.  '2. 

Without  thy  mind  would  I  do  nothing ;  that  thy  benefit  should  not 
be  as  it  were  of  necessity,  but  willingly.— Philemon,  14. 

Offered  life 
Neglect  not,  and  the  benefit  embrace 
By  faith,  not  void  of  works.  Milton. 

I  gaze  upon  the  thousand  stars 

That  fill  the  midnight  sky ; 
And  wish,  so  passionately  wish, 

A  light  like  theirs  on  high. 
I  have  such  eagerness  of  hope 

To  benefit  my  kind ; 
I  feel  as  if  immortal  power 

Were  given  to  my  mind.  Miss  Landon. 

Why  are  springs  enthroned  on  high, 
Where  the  mountains  kiss  the  sky  ? 
'T  is  that  thence  their  streams  ma)r  flow, 
Fertilizing  all  below. 

Why  have  clouds  such  lofty  flight, 
Basking  in  the  golden  light  ? 
'T  is  to  send  down  genial  showers 
On  this  lower  world  of  ours. 

Why  does  God  exalt  the  great  ? 
'T  is  that  they  may  prop  the  state ; 
So  that  toil  its  sweets  may  yield, 
And  the  sower  reap  the  field. 

Riches  why  doth  He  confer? 
That  the  rich  may  minister 
To  the  children  of  distress, 
To  the  poor  and  fatherless. 

Does  He  light  a  Newton's  mind  ? 

'Tis  to  shine  on  all  mankind. 

Does  He  give  to  Virtue  birth  ? 

'T  is  the  salt  of  this  poor  earth.       Josiah  Conder. 


60  BENIGNITY. 


BENIGNITY. 

Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days  of  my  life. 
— Psalm  xxiii.  6. 

Thou  Lord  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive,  and  plenteous  in  mercy 
unto  all  them  that  call  upon  thee. — Psalm  lxxxvi.  5. 

The  Lord  is  good  to  all :  and  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his 
works.— Psalm  cxIt.  9. 

This  turn  hath  made  amends  !     Thou  hast  fulfilled 

Thy  words,  Creator  bounteous  and  benign, 

Giver  of  all  things  fair !  Milton. 

He  comes  not  in  the  pride  of  martial  pomp, 
High  in  triumphal  chariot,  while  around 
The  poor  remains  of  vanquished  kingdoms  grace 
The  trophied  car ;  not  such  as  Judah's  sons, 
By  empire's  flattering  dreams  misled,  conceived, 
Vindictive  monarch  over  prostrate  Home. 
Beyond  the  confines  of  this  nether  world. 
At  the  right  hand  of  the  Almighty  Sire, 
Enthroned  he  sits  ;  no  partial  King,  to  all 
Who  unfeigned  homage  offer,  He,  benign, 
The  treasure  of  his  boundless  love  vouchsafes. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

Divinest  creed !  and  worthy  to  be  taught 

By  Him,  the  Saviour,  who  thy  tidings  brought ; 

Thou  wert  the  first,  descending  from  above, 

To  teach  the  nations  that  their  God  was  love ; 

That  ire  eternal  dwelt  not  on  His  face, 

But  love  and  pity,  and  redeeming  grace. 

And  all  the  joy  this  world  since  then  has  known, 

Springs  from  this  creed,  and  springs  from  this  alone ; 

Whatever  triumphs  have  been  gained  by  mind 

O'er  Error,  Hate,  and  Ignorance  combined ; 

Whatever  progress  man  may  yet  have  made, 

Owes  all  its  worth  to  Thy  benignant  aid.      C.  Mackay. 

O,  Saviour,  gracious  and  benign, 

Warm  and  illume  this  heart  of  mine, 

Disperse  the  fogs  and  mists  of  sin, 

And  let  no  evil  lurk  therein  : 

Let  me  Thy  love  and  goodness  see — 

Thy  merciful  benignity.  Anon. 


THE    BIBLE.  61 


THE    BIBLE. 

Ami  beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  prophets,  be  expounded  unto 

them  in  all  the  scriptures  the  things  concerning  II ims.lf .  —Luke,  \.\iv. 

•-'7. 

Search  the  scriptures;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life : 
and  they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.—  John,  v.  39. 

The  holy  scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salva- 
tion, through  faith  which  is  in   Christ  Jesus. 

All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God.  and  is  profitable  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in   right*  ■ousness. 

-II.  Timothy,  iii.  15,  16. 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written  for  OUT 
learning,  that  we.  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures, 
might  have  hope.— Romans,  xv.  4. 

The  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God. — Ephesians. 
vi.  17. 

Whence,  but  from  Heaven,  could  men  unskilled  in  arts, 
In  several  ages  born,  in  several  parts, 
Weave  such  agreeing  truths  ?  or  how,  or  why, 
Should  all  conspire  to  cheat  us  with  a  lie ! 
Unasked  their  pains,  ungrateful  their  advice, 
Starving  their  gain,  and  martyrdom  their  price. 

Dry  den. 
So  has  this  book  entitled  us  to  Heaven. 
And  rules  to  guide  us  to  that  mansion  given ; 
Tells  the  conditions  how  our  peace  was  made, 
And  is  our  pledge  for  the  great  Author's  aid. 
His  power  in  nature's  ample  book  we  find, 
But  the  less  volume  doth  express  his  mind.         Waller. 

A  critic  on  the  sacred  book  should  be 
Candid  and  learned,  dispassionate  and  free  : 
Free  from  the  wayward  bias  bigots  feel, 
From  fancy's  influence,  and  intemperate  zeal. 

Cowper. 
Within  this  ample  volume  lies 
The  mystery  of  mysteries ; 
Happiest  they  of  human  race 
To  whom  their  God  has  given  grace, 
To  read,  to  fear,  to  hope,  to  pray, 
To  lift  the  latch,  to  force  the  way  : 
And  better  had  they  ne'er  been  born, 
That  read  to  doubt,  or  read  to  scorn. 

Sir  Walter  Scott. 


62  THE    BIBLE. 


Most  wondrous  book !  bright  candle  of  the  Lord! 

Star  of  eternity  !  the  only  star 

By  which  the  bark  of  man  could  navigate 

The  sea  of  life,  and  gain  the  coast  of  bliss 

Securely ;  only  star  which  rose  in  time 

And  on  its  dark  and  troubled  billows,  still 

As  generation  driving  swiftly  by, 

Succeeding  generation,  threw  a  ray 

Of  heaven's  own  light,  and  to  the  hills  of  God — 

The  everlasting  hills — pointed  the  sinner's  eye. 

By  prophets,  seers,  and  priests,  and  sacred  bards, 

Evangelists,  apostles,  men  inspired, 

And  by  the  Holy  Ghost  anointed,  set 

Apart  and  consecrated  to  declare 

On  earth  the  counsels  of  the  Eternal  one, 

This  book — this  holiest,  this  sublimest  book 

Was  sent.    Heaven's  will,  Heaven's  code  of  laws  entire 

To  man,  this  book  contained ;  defined  the  bounds 

Of  vice  and  virtue,  and  of  life  and  death ; 

And  what  was  shadow,  what  was  substance  taught. 

This  book — this  holy  book,  in  every  line 

Marked  with  the  seal  of  high  divinity, 

On  every  leaf  bedewed  with  drops  of  love 

Divine,  and  with  the  eternal  heraldry 

And  signature  of  God  Almighty  stamped, 

From  first  to  last ;  this  ray  of  sacred  light, 

This  lamp  from  off  the  everlasting  throne, 

Mercy  brought  down,  and  in  the  night  of  time 

Stands  casting  on  the  dark  her  gracious  bow, 

And  evermore  beseeching  men  with  tears 

And  earnest  sighs,  to  read,  believe,  and  live. 

Hast  thou  ever  heard 
Of  such  a  book  ?     The  author  God  Himself; 
The  subject,  God  and  man,  salvation,  life, 
And  death — eternal  life — eternal  death.  Polloh. 


The  priest-like  father  reads  the  sacred  page, 
How  Abram  was  the  friend  of  God  on  high; 

Or  Moses  bade  eternal  warfare  wage 
With  Amalek's  ungracious  progeny ; 


THE    BIBLE.  •'-:; 


Or  how  the  Royal  Bard  did  groaning  lie, 

Beneath  the  stroke  of  Heaven's  avenging  ire  ; 
Or  Job's  pathetic  plaint  and  wailing  cry  ; 
Or  wrapt  Isaiah's  wild  seraphic  fire; 
Or  other  holy  seers  that  tune  the  sacred  lyre. 
Perhaps  the  Christian  volume  is  the  theme, 

How  guiltless  blood  for  guilty  man  was  shed ; 
How  He  who  bore  in  Heaven  the  second  name, 
Had  not,  on  earth,  whereon  to  lay  His  head ; 
How  His  first  followers  and  servants  sped ; 

The  precepts  sage  they  wrote  to  many  a  land : 
How  he  who,  lone  in  Patmos  bauishcd, 
Saw,  in  the  sun,  a  mighty  angel  stand ; 
And    heard     great    Bab'lon's    doom   pronounced   by 
Heaven's  command.  Burns. 

Look,  Christian  !  in  thy  Bible,  and  that  glass 
Which  sheds  its  sands  through  minutes,  hours,  and 

days, 
And  years  ;  it  speaks  not :  yet  methinks  it  says 
To  every  human  heart — "so  mortals  pass 
On  to  their  dark  and  silent  grave  !"     Alas  ! 
For  man  : — an  exile  upon  earth  he  stays, 
Weary,  and  wandering  through  benighted  ways  -. 
To-day  in  strength,  to-morrow  like  the  grass 
That  withers  at  his  feet.     Lift  up  thy  head, 
Poor  pilgrim,  toiling  in  this  vale  of  tears  ; 
That  book  declares  whose  blood  for  thee  was  shed, 

Who  died  to  give  thee  life ;  and  though  thy  years 
Pass  like  a  shade,  pointing  to  thy  death-bed, 

Out  of  the  deep  thy  cry  an  angel  hears, 
And  by  his  guiding  hand  to  heaven  thy  steps  are  led. 

W.  Lisle  Bowles. 
A  book  there  is,  of  ancient  date, 
Where  all  the  truly  wise  and  ^reat 
Have  found  the  pearls  of  wisdom  spread, 
Like  gems  upon  the  ocean-bed. 
Brighter  than  Californian  gold, 
Are  deeds  inspired  apostles  told, 
Greater  than  all  that  Milton  thought, 
Are  truths  that  saints  and  prophets  taught. 
Oh  !  be  it  onrs  from  tender  age, 
To  gather  wisdom  from  its  page.         J.  Burbidge. 


64  THE    BIBLE. 


The  sacred,  page 
With  calm  attention  scan !     If  on  thy  soul, 
As  thou  dost  read,  a  ray  of  purer  light 
Break  in,  O,  check  it  not,  give  it  full  scope ! 
Admitted,  it  will  break  the  clouds  which  long 
Have  dimmed  thy  sight,  and  lead  thee,  till  at  last, 
Convictions  like  the  sun's  meridian  beams, 
Illuminate  thy  mind.  Samuel  Hayes. 


Father !  that  book 
With  whose  worn  leaves  the  careless  infant  plays, 
Must  be  the  Bible.     Therein  thy  dim  eyes 
Will  meet  a  cheering  light ;  and  silent  words 
Of  mercy  breathed  from  Heaven,  will  be  exhaled 
From  the  blest  page  unto  thy  withered  heart. 

John    Wilson. 


What  is  this  world  ?  a  wildering  maze 
Where  sin  hath  tracked  ten  thousand  ways, 

Her  victims  to  ensnare. 
All  broad,  all  winding,  and  aslope, 
All  tempting  with  perfidious  hope, 

All  ending  in  despair. 

Millions  of  pilgrims  throng  those  roads, 
Bearing  their  baubles  or  their  loads, 

Down  to  eternal  night ; 
Our  humble  path  that  never  bends, 
Narrow,  and  rough,  and  steep,  ascends 

From  darkness  into  light. 

Is  there  a  guide  to  show  that  path  ? 
The  Bib le  !     He  alone  who  hath 

The  Bible,  need  not  stray  ; 
Yet  he  who  hath,  and  will  not  give 
That  heavenly  guide  to  all  that  live, 

Himself  shall  lose  the  way.  J  Montgomery. 


THE    BIBLE.  6S 


The  Bible  ?  That's  the  Book,  The  Book  indeed. 

The  Book  of  Books  ; 

On  which  who  looks, 
As  he  should  do,  aright,  shall  never  need 

Wish  for  a  better  light 

To  guide  him  in  the  night. 

( tar,  when  he  hungry  is,  for  better  food 

To  feed  upori, 

Than  this  alone, 
If  he  bring  stomach  and  digestion  good  : 

And  if  he  be  amiss, 

This  the  best  physic  is. 

It  is  the  looking-glass  of  souls,  wherein 

All  men  may  see, 

"Whether  they  be 
Still,  as  by  nature  they  are,  deform'd  with  sin  ; 

Or  in  a  better  case, 

As  new  adorn'd  with  grace. 

'Tis  the  great  Magazine  of  spiritual  arms, 

Wherein  doth  lie 

The  Artillery 
Of  heaven,  ready  charged  against  all  harms. 

That  might  come  by  the  blow.- 

Of  our  infernal  foes. 

(lod's  cabinet  of  reveal'd  counsel  'tis : 

Where  weal  and  woe 

Are  order'd  so, 
That  every  man  may  know  which  shall  be  his  ; 

Unless  his  own  mistake 

False  application  make. 

It  is  the  index  of  Eternity. 

He  cannot  miss 

Of  endless  bliss, 
That  takes  this  chart  to  steer  his  voyage  by, 

Xor  can  he  be  mistook, 

That  speaketh  by  this  Book. 

A  Book  to  which  no  other  Book  can  be  com; 
For  excellence ; 
Pre-eminence 


THE    BIBLE. 


Is  proper  to  it,  and  cannot  be  shared. 
Divinity  alone 
Belongs  to  it,  or  none. 

It  is  the  Book  of  God.     What  if  I  should 

Say,  God  of  Books  ? 

Let  him  that  looks 
Angry  at  this  expression,  as  too  bold 

His  thoughts  in  silence  smother, 

Till  he  find  such  another.  George  Herbert. 


But  to  outweigh  all  harm,  the  sacred  book, 

In  du3ty  sequestration  wrapped  too  long, 

Assumes  the  accent  of  our  native  tongue ; 

And  he  who  guides  the  plough,  or  wields  the  crook. 

With  understanding  spirit  now  may  look 

Upon  her  records,  listen  to  her  song, 

And  sift  her  laws — much  wondering  that  the  wrong 

Which  faith  hath  suffered,  Heaven  could  calmy  brook. 

Transcendent  Boon !  nobler  than  earthly  King 

Ever  bestowed  to  equalize  and  bless, 

Under  the  weight  of  mortal  wretchedness  ! 

But  passions  spread  like  plagues,  and  thousands  wild 

With  bigotry  shall  tread  the  offering 

Beneath  their  feet,  detested  and  defiled. 

Wordsworth. 

What  household  thoughts  around  thee,  as  their  shrine, 

Cling  reverently  !    Of  anxious  looks  beguiled, 

My  mother's  eyes  upon  thy  page  divine 

Were  daily  bent ;  her  accents,  gravely  mild, 

Breathed  out  thy  love ; — whilst  I  a  dreaming  child, 

On  breeze-like  fancies  wandered  oft  away 

To  some  lone  tuft  of  gleaming  spring  flowers  wild. 

Some  fresh-discovered  nook  for  woodland  play, 

Some  secret  nest :  yet  would  the  solemn  word 

At  times  with  kindlings  of  young  wonder  heard, 

Fall  on  my  wakened  spirit,  there  to  be 

A  seed  not  lost ;  for  which  in  darker  years, 

O  Book  of  Heaven!  I  pour,  with  grateful  tears, 

Heart-blessings  on  the  holy  dead  and  thee. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 


TIIE    BIBLE.  07 


Friend  of  my  early  days, 

Thou  old,  brown,  folio  tome, 
Oft  opened  with  amaze, 

Within  my  childhood's  home  ; 
Thy  many-pictured  pages, 

Beheld  with  glad  surprise, 
Would  lure  me  from  my  playmates, 

To  oriental  skies. 

I  found  in  thee  for  friends, 

The  wise  and  valiant  men 
Of  Israel,  whose  heroic  deeds 

Are  writ  with  holy  pen ; 
And  dark  brown  Jewish  maidens, 

With  festive  dance  and  song, 
Or  fairly  dressed  for  bridal, 

Thy  pictured  leaves  among. 

The  old  life  patriarchal 

Did  beautifully  shine, 
With  angels  hovering  over, 

The  good  old  men  divine  ; 
Their  long  long  pilgrimages 

I  traced  through  all  the  way  ; 
While  on  the  stool  before  me 

The  pages  open  lay. 

From  the  German  of  Freiligraih. 

Fancy,  Hope,  and  Conscience  could  not  prove 

A  future  state,  without  the  Word  of  God. 

This  is  Hope's  charter,  this  gives  Fancy  power, 

And  this  arms  Conscience  with  authority. 

This  partly  lifts  the  veil  which  else  had  hung 

Before  our  eyes,  concealing  from  our  view 

The  Spirit  Land.  Joseph  H.  Wythes. 

Thou  truest  friend  man  ever  knew, 

Thy  constancy  I  've  tried ; 
When  all  were  false  I  found  thee  true, 

My  counsellor  and  guide. 
The  mines  of  earth  no  treasures  give 

That  could  this  volume  buy : 
In  teaching  me  the  way  to  live, 

It  taught  me  how  to  die.  Geo.  P.  Morris. 


BIRDS. 


BIKDS— FOWLS. 

AND  God  said,  Let  the  waters  bring  forth  abundantly  the  moving 
creature  that  hath  life,  and  fowl  that  may  fly  above  the  earth  in  the 
open  firmament  of  heaven. 

And  God  blessed  them,  saving,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  fill 
the  waters  in  the  seas,  and  let  fowl  multiplv  in  the  earth. — Genesis,  i. 
20,  22. 

"Where  is  God  my  maker,  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night ;  who 
teacheth  us  more  than  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  and  maketh  us  wiser 
than  the  fowls  of  heaven  ? — Job,  xxxv.  10.  11. 

In  the  Lord  put  I  my  trust :  how  say  ye  to  my  soul.  Flee  as  a  bird 
to  your  mountain  ?— Psalm  xi.  1. 

I  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  mountains  :  and  the  wild  beasts  of  the 
field  are  mine. — Psalm  1.  11. 

Our  soul  is  escaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the  fowlers. — 
Psalm  cxxiv.  7. 

As  a  bird  hasteth  to  the  snare,  and  knoweth  not  that  it  is  for  his 
life. — Proverbs,  vii.  23. 

As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as  the  swallow  by  flying,  so  the  curse 
causeless  shall  not  come.— Proverbs,  xxvi.  2. 

Curse  not  the  rich  in  thy  bedchamber  :  for  a  bird  of  the  air  shall 
carry  the  voice,  and  that  which  hath  wings  shall  tell  the  matter. — 
Ecclesiastes,  x.  20. 

Behold  the  fowls  of  the  air ;  for  they  sow  not,  neither  do  they  reap, 
nor  gather  into  barns ;  yet  your  heavenly  Father  feedeth  them.  Are 
ye  not  much  better  than  they? — Matthew,  vi.  26. 

The  foxes  have  holes,  and  the  birds  of  the  air  have  nests ;  but  the 
Son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head. — Matthew,  viii.  20. 

Consider  the  ravens  :  for  they  neither  sow  nor  reap  :  which  neither 
have  storehouse  nor  barn  ;  and  God  feedeth  them  :  how  much  more 
are  ye  better  than  the  fowls ?— Luke,  xii.  24. 

Sweet  bird  !  thou  sing'st  away  the  early  hours 

Of  winter  past,  or  coming,  void  of  care, 

Well  pleased  with  delights,  which  present  are, — 

Fair  seasons,  budding  sprays,  sweet  smelling  flowers, 

To  rocks,  to  springs,  to  rills,  from  leafy  bowers, 

Thou  thy  Creator's  goodness  dost  declare, 

And  what  dear  gifts  on  thee  he  did  not  spare, 

A  stain  to  human  sense  in  sin  that  lowers  ; 

What  soul  can  be  so  sick,  which  by  thy  songs 

(Alter'd  in  sweetness,)  sweetly  is  not  driven 

Quite  to  forget  earth's  turmoils,  spites,  and  wrongs, 

And  lift  a  reverend  eye  and  thought  to  Heaven  ? 

Sweet  artless  songster,  thou  my  mind  dost  raise 
To  air  of  spheres,  yes,  and  to  angels'  lays. 

W.  Drum-in  on d. 


13IUDS.  69 


Behold !  and  look  away  your  low  despair, 
Sec  the  light  tenants  of  the  barren  air : 
To  them  no  stores  nor  granaries  belong, 
Nought  but  the  woodland  and  the  pleasing  song 
Yet  your  kind  Heavenly  Father  bends  his  eye 
On  the  least  wing  that  flits  along  the  sky  ; 
He  hears  their  gay  and  their  distressful  call, 
And  with  unsparing  bouuty  fills  them  all. 


TJto,naon. 


What  is  this  mighty  breath,  ye  sages,  say, 
That  in  a  powerful  language,  felt,  not  heard, 
Instructs  the  foivls  of  Heaven  ? 

What  but  God! 
Inspiring  God  !  whose  boundless  spirit  all 
And  unremitting  energy  pervades, 
Adjusts,  sustains,  aud  agitates  the  whole. 


Thomson. 


Like  an  unfledged  hungry  bird,  that  in  its  nest 
Hears  its  returning  mother  flap  her  wings, 
Circling  around  when  some  choice  food  she  bringa  ; 

The  nestling's  love  for  both  is  then  exprest — 

It  strives  to  reach  the  food  and  be  carest, 
And  rustles  to  begin  its  wanderings, 
And  thanks  her  with  unwonted  chiruppings, 

Jn  notes  that  seem  too  sweet  for  its  young  breast : — 

So  do  I  feel  whene'er  the  brilliant  light 
Of  the  almighty  sun  to  which  I  gaze, 

Cheers  with  unusual  warmth  my  fainting  soul ; 
Urged  by  internal  love  to  bless  and  praise, 
I  take  the  pen,  with  joy  beyond  controul, 

And  fluttering,  praise  my  God  with  all  my  might. 

Ylttoria   Colonna. 

Beautiful  birds  of  lightsome  wing, 

Bright  creatures  that  come  with  the  voice  of  spring ; 

We  see  you  arrayed  in  the  hues  of  the  morn, 

Yet  ye  dream  not  of  pride,  and  ye  wist  not  of  scorn, 

Though  rainbow  splendour  around  you  glows, 

Ye  vaunt  not  the  beauty  which  nature  bestows : 

Oh !  what  a  lesson  for  glory  are  ye, 

How  ye  preach  the  grace  of  humility. 


70  BIRDS. 

Swift  birds  that  skim  o'er  the  stormy  deep, 
Who  steadily  onward  your  journey  keep, 
Who  neither  for  rest  nor  for  slumber  stay, 
But  press  still  forward,  by  night  or  day — 
As  on  your  unwearying  course  ye  fly,  • 
Beneath  the  clear  and  unclouded  sky  ; 
Oh !  may  we,  without  delay,  like  you, 
The  path  of  duty  and  right  pursue. 

Sweet  birds  that  breathe  the  spirit  of  song, 
And  surround  heaven's  gate  in  melodious  throng ; 
Who  rise  with  the  earliest  beams  of  day, 
Your  morning  tribute  of  thanks  to  pay, 
You  remind  me  that  we  should  likewise  raise 
The  voice  of  devotion,  and  song  of  praise ; 
There  's  something  about  you  that  points  on  high, 
Ye  beautiful  tenants  of  earth  and  sky. 

C.  W.  Thompson. 

Birds,  joyous  birds,  of  the  wandering  wing ! 
Whence  is  it  ye  come  with  the  flowers  of  spring  ? 
— "We  come  from  the  shores  of  the  green  old  Nile, 
From  the  land  where  the  roses  of  Sharon  smile, 
From  the  palms  that  wave  through  the  Indian  sky, 
From  the  myrrh  trees  of  glowing  Araby. 

A  change  we  have  found,  and  many  a  change  ! 

Faces,  and  footsteps,  and  all  things  strange ! 

Gone  are  the  heads  of  the  silvery  hair, 

And  the  young  that  were  have  a  brow  of  care, 

And  the  place  is  hushed  where  the  children  played — 

Nought  looks  the  same,  save  the  nests  we  made  !" 

Sad  is  your  tale  of  the  beautiful  earth, 
Birds  that  o'ersweep  it  in  power  and  mirth  ! 
Yet  through  the  wastes  of  the  trackless  air 
Ye  have  a  guide,  and  shall  we  despair  ? 
Ye  over  desert  and  deep  have  passed — 
So  shall  we  reach  our  bright  home  at  last. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 

What  time  thy  heavenly  voice  preludes 

Unto  the  fair  and  silent  night, 
Winged  minstrel  of  my  solitudes, 

Unknown  to  thee  I  trace  its  flight. 


BIRDS.  71 


Thy  voice  so  touching  and  sublime, 
Seems  Bur  too  pure  for  this  gross  earth  ; 

Surely  we  well  may  deem  the  chime 
An  instinct  which  with  God  has  birth. 

Thy  warblings  and  thy  murmurs  sweet, 

Into  melodious  union  bring 
All  fair  sounds  that  in  nature  meet, 

Or  float  from  heaven  on  wand'ring  wing. 

And  that  mysterious  voice,  that  sound 

Which  angels  listen  to  with  me, — 
That  sigh  of  pious  night  is  found 

In  thee,  melodious  bird,  in  thee.  Lamartine. 

Ye  gentle  birds,  that  perch  aloof, 

And  smooth  your  pinions  on  my  roof, 

Preparing  for  departure  hence, 

Ere  winter's  angry  threats  commence  : 

Like  you  my  soul  would  smooth  her  plume. 

For  longer  flights  beyond  the  tomb. 

May  God,  by  whom  is  seen  and  heard 

Departing  man  and  wandering  bird, 

In  mercy  mark  me  for  His  own, 

And  guide  me  to  the  land  unknown  !  Hayley. 

The  bird,  let  loose  in  eastern  skies, 

When  hastening  fondly  home, 
Ne'er  stoops  to  earth  her  wing,  nor  flies 

Where  idler  warblers  roam. 

So  grant  me,  Lord!  from  every  stain 

Of  sinful  passion  free, 
Aloft  through  virtue's  purer  air, 

To  steer  my  course  to  Thee. 

No  sin  to  cloud,  no  lure  to  stay 

My  soul,  as  home  she  springs ; 
The  sunshine  on  her  joyful  way ; 

Thy  freedom  on  her  wings.  Moore. 

The  wild  bird's  song  is  a  song  of  praise, 

Which,  thankful,  he  uplifts  ; 
Ever,  like  him,  thy  voice  upraise, 

To  the  giver  of  all  good  gifts.  Egone. 


72  BIRTH. 

BIKTH— BOBN. 

JTJDAH  prevailed  above  his  brethren,  and  of  him  came  the  chief 
ruler ;  but  the  birthright  was  Joseph's.— I.  Chronicles,  v.  2. 

Shall  I  bring  to  the  birth,  and  not  cause  to  bring  forth  ?  saith  the 
Lord.— Isaiah,  lxvi.  9. 

And  thou  shalt  have  joy  and  gladness  ;  and  many  shall  rejoice  at 
his  birth.— Luke,  i.  14. 

Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee,  Ye  must  be  born  again. 

The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth  : 
so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  spirit. — John,  iii.  7,  8. 

ily  little  children,  of  whom  I  travail  in  birth  again  until  Christ  be 
formed  in  you. — G-alatians,  iv.  19. 

Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  sin  :  for  his  seed  remain- 
eth  in  him  :  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is  bom  of  God. — I.  John, 


Orient  light, 
Exhaling  first  from  darkness,  they  beheld, 
Birthday  of  heaven  and  earth.  Milton. 

Thou  hast  been  found 
By  merit,  more  than  birthright,  Son  of  God. 


While  no  baseness  in  my  breast  I  find, 
I  have  not  lost  the  birthright  of  my  mind. 


Milton. 

Dry  den. 


They  tell  me  't  is  my  birthday,  and  I  '11  keep  it 

With  double  pomp  of  sadness  ; 

'Tis  what  the  day  deserves  which  brought  me  forth. 

Dry  den. 

Mysterious  love  !  that  thou  must  recommence 

Life  and  existence,  and  be  born  anew, 

Born  both  of  water  and  of  spirit,  whence 

Spirit  comes  only,  as  flesh  must  flesh  ensue : 

And  where  it  lists  the  wind  shall  blow,  whose  sound 

Thou  hearest,  but  know'st  not — none — 

Whence  cometh  it,  nor  whither  it  is  bound ; 

And  no  man  hath  ascended  into  heaven 

But  he  who  thence  came  down,  and  bore  the  wound. 

And  perished  that  the  world  might  be  forgiven. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 


BIRTH.  73 

Let  us  learn  the  wondrous  story, 
Of  our  great  Redeemer's  birth; 

Spread  the  brightness  of  His  glory, 

Till  it  cover  all  the  earth. 
Hasten  mortals  to  adore  Him, 
Till  in  heaven  ye  sing  before  Him.  Catoood. 

Are  all  the  memories  of  life 

Buried  when  life  has  fled? 
Are  we  forbid  to  keep  again 

The  birthdays  of  the  dead? 

Time  was  when  each  successive  year 

Brought  one  bright  day  of  mirth. 
The  looked-for  anniversary 

Of  some  belov'd  one's  birth. 

The  birthday  feasts  of  childhood's  age, 

The  feasts  of  riper  years, 
Beniind  us  of  like  youthful  joys 

Bemembered  now  with  tears. 

For  they  with  whom  those  days  were  spent, 

Have  done  with  all  on  earth, 
The  fond  home  circle  's  broken  up 

That  hailed  each  day  of  birth. 

Yet  as  the  days  come  round  again 

Marked  with  affection's  seal, 
Once  more  we  think  of  those  we  've  lost, 

Once  more  their  presence  feel. 

The  blessed  spirits  now  in  Heaven, 

May  not  such  cycles  keep, 
Time  metes  not  out  their  happiness, 

They  know  not  night  or  sleep. 

Yet  may  they  still  retain  the  thoughts 

Commemorating  birth, 
And  haply  still  they  keep  in  Heaven 

The  calender  of  Earth. 

Far  off  are  they,  but  still  towards  them 

Our  loving  arms  we  spread, 
And  ever  in  our  hearts  we  '11  keep 

The  birthdays  of  the  dead.      George  E.  Shirley. 


74  BLESSING. 


BLESSING— BLESSEDNESS— BLESS. 

I  WILL  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times :  his  praise  shall  continually  be 
in  my  mouth. — Psalm  xxxiv.  1. 

Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house  :  they  will  be  still  praising 
thee. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee. — Psalm  lxxxiv.  4,  5. 

Blessings  are  upon  the  head  of  the  just,  but  violence  covereth  the 
mouth  of  the  wicked. — Proverbs,  x.  6. 

The  blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  maketh  rich,  and  he  addeth  no  sorrow 
with  it. — Proverbs,  x.  22. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall  see  God.— Matthew, 
v.  8. 

I  say  unto  you,  love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do 
good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use 
you. — Matthew,  v.  44. 

Blessing;  knowing  that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye  should  in- 
herit a  blessing. — I.  Peter,  hi.  9. 

O  All-Sufficient,  All-Beneficent! 
Thou  G-od  of  Goodness  and  of  glory,  hear ! 
Thou  who  to  lowest  minds  dost  condescend, 
Assuming  passions  to  enforce  thy  laws, 
Adopting  jealousy  to  prove  thy  love  ! 
Thou  who  resigned  humility  upholdest, 
E'en  as  the  florist  props  the  drooping  rose ; 
But  quellest  tyrannic  pride  with  peerless  power, 
E  'en  as  the  tempest  drives  the  stubborn  oak ! 
O  All- Sufficient,  All-Beneficent ! 
Thou  G-od  of  goodness  and  of  glory,  hear ! 
Bless  all  mankind,  and  bring  them  in  the  end 
To  heaven,  to  immortality,  and  Thee  !  Smart. 

O  my  soul,  with  all  thy  powers, 

Bless  the  Lord's  most  holy  name  ; 
O  my  soul,  till  life's  last  hours, 

Bless  the  Lord,  his  praise  proclaim ; 
Thine  infirmities  He  healed  ; 
He  thy  peace  and  pardon  sealed. 
As  in  Heaven,  His  throne  and  dwelling, 

King  on  earth  He  holds  his  sway ; 
Angels,  ye  in  strength  excelling, 
Bless  the  Lord,  his  voice  obey ; 
All  his  works  beneath  the  pole, 
Bless  the  Lord,  with  thee,  my  soul. 

J.  Montgomery. 


BLESSING.  75 


Author  of  being !  life-sustaining  king ! 
Lo !  want's  dependant  eye  from  Thee  implores 
The  seasons,  which  provide  nutritious  stores  ; 
Give  to  her  prayers  the  renovating  spring, 
And  summer's  heats  all  perfecting,  that  briiii; 
The  fruits  which  autumn,  from  a  thousand  shores 
Selecteth  provident !  when  earth  adores 
Her  God,  and  all  her  vales  exultory  sing. 
Without  thy  blessing  the  submissive  steer 
Bends  to  the  ploughman's  galling  yoke  in  vain ; 
Without  thy  blessing  on  the  varied  year, 
Can  the  swarth  reaper  grasp  the  golden  grain  ? 
Without  thy  blessing  all  is  blank  and  drear; 
With  it  the  joys  of  Eden  bloom  again. 

Wordsworth. 

Blessed  be  thy  name  for  ever, 

Thou  of  life  the  guard  and  giver ; 

Thou  canst  guard  the  creatures  sleeping, 

Heal  the  heart  long  broke  with  weeping. 

God  of  stillness  and  of  motion, 

Of  the  desert  and  the  ocean, 

Of  the  mountain,  rock,  and  river, 

Blessed  be  thy  name  for  ever. 

Thou  who  slumberest  not,  nor  sleepest, 

Blest  are  they  thou  kindly  keepest ; 

God  of  evening's  parting  ray, 

Of  midnight's  gloom,  and  dawning  day, 

That  rises  from  the  azure  sea, 

Like  breathings  of  eternity ; 

God  of  life  !  that  fade  shall  never, 

Blessed  be  thy  name  for  ever.  James  Hogg. 

Oh !   't  is  a  sight  the  soul  to  cheer, 

The  promise  of  the  fruitful  year, 

When  God  abroad  his  bounty  flings, 

And  answering  nature  laughs  and  sings! 

He,  "for  the  evil  and  the  good," 

For  them,  who  with  heart's  gratitude, 

For  them,  who  thanklessly  receive 

The  blessings  He  vouchsafes  to  give, 

Bids  from  his  storehouse  in  the  skies, 

"His  rain  descend,  his  sun  arise."  Mant. 


76  BLESSING. 


Thrice  blessed  they  who  dwell 

Within  thine  house,  my  God, 
Where  daily  praises  swell, 
And  still  the  floor  is  trod 
By  those  who  in  thy  presence  bow, 
By  those  whose  King  and  God  art  thou. 

J.  Montgomery. 
Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart, 
For  they  shall  see  our  God ; 
The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  theirs, 

Their  soul  is  Christ's  abode. 
Spotless  their  robes  and  pure, 
Dipped  in  the  sea  of  light, 
That  hides  the  unapproached  shrine 

From  men's  and  angels'  sight.  Keble. 

From  darkness  here,  and  dreariness, 

We  ask  not  full  repose, 
Only  be  thou  at  hand  to  bless 

Our  trial  hour  of  woes. 
Is  not  the  pilgrim's  toil  o'erpaid 
By  the  clear  rill  and  palmy  shade  ? 
And  see  we  not,  up  earth's  dark  glade, 

The  gate  of  Heaven  unclose  ?  Keble. 

Thou  that  created'st  all !     Thou  fountain 

Of  our  sun's  light — who  dwellest  far 

From  man,  beyond  the  farthest  star, 
Yet,  ever  present ;  who  dost  heed 
Our  spirits  in  their  human  need  ; 

We  bless  thee,  Father,  that  we  are  ! 

We  bless  thee  for  our  inward  life  ; 

For  its  immortal  date  decreeing  ; 
For  that  which  comprehendeth  thee, 
A  spark  of  thy  divinity, 

Which  is  the  being  of  our  being ! 

We  bless  thee  for  this  bounteous  earth ; 

For  its  increase — for  corn  and  wine  : 
For  forest-oaks,  for  mountain-rills  ; 
For  cattle  "on  a  thousand  hills  ;" 

We  bless  thee — for  all  good  is  thine ! 


Mary  Howitt. 


BLESSING.  77 


"We  have  the  promise  of  th'  eternal  truth, 

Those  who  live  well,  and  pious  paths  pursue, 

To  man  and  to  their  Maker  true ; 
Let  them  expire  in  age  or  youth, 
Can  never  miss 

Their  way  to  everlasting  bliss  ; 
But  from  a  world  of  misery  and  care, 
To  mansions  of  eternal  ease  repair  ; 

Where  joy  in  full  perfection  flows, 

And  in  an  endless  circle  moves 

Through  the  vast  round  of  beatific  love, 

Which  no  cessation  knows.  John    Pomfret. 

No,  't  is  in  vain  to  seek  for  bliss, 

For  bliss  can  ne'er  be  found 
Till  we  arrive  where  Jesus  is, 

And  tread  on  heav'nly  ground.  Watts. 

When  we  have  slept  that  dreamless  sleep, 

Which  dearest  hearts  must  sever ; 
O  may  we  wake  no  more  to  weep, 

But  live  in  bliss  for  ever.  John   Linden. 


True  bliss,  the  flower  of  Paradise, 
Lives  not  in  this  ungenial  clime ; 

It  blossoms  in  celestial  skies, 
Beyond  the  ravages  of  time  ; 

The  joy  to  christian  pilgrims  given, 

Is  but  the  rich  perfume  of  heaven. 


W.  J.  Brock. 


True  bliss,  the  flower  of  Paradise, 

Why  seek  it  here  below  ? 
It  groweth  only  'neath  those  skies 

With  love  divine  that  glow. 
Warmed  by  the  sun  of  righteousness, 

And  watered  by  the  dews 
Of  mercy,  and  redeeming  grace, 

How  lively  are  its  hues  ! 
In  heaven,  an  amaranthine  flower, 
On  earth,  it  blossoms  but  an  hour.  Eyone. 


78  BLINDNESS. 


BLINDNESS. 

The  Lord  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind— Psalm  cxlvi.  8. 

Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind  shall  be  opened.— Isaiah,  xxxv.  5. 

He  hath  sent  me  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliverance 
to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind.— Luke,  iv.  18. 

Having  the  understanding  darkened,  being  alienated  from  the  life 
of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  because  of  the  blindness 
of  their  heart. — Ephesians,  iv.  18. 

When  I  consider  how  my  light  is  spent 

Ere  half  my  days  in  this  dark  world  and  wide, 

And  that  one  talent  which  is  death  to  hide, 
Lodged  with  me  useless,  though  my  soul  more  bent 
To  serve  therewith  my  Maker,  and  present 

My  true  account,  lest  he  returning  chide  ; 
"Doth  God  exact  day-labour,  light  denied?" 
I  fondly  ask  :  but  patience,  to  prevent 

That  murmur,  soon  replies,  "God  doth  not  need 
Either  man's  works,  or  his  own  gifts ;  who  best 

Bear  His  mild  yoke,  they  serve  Him  best :  His  state 

Is  kingly,  thousands  at  his  bidding  speed, 
And  post  o'er  land  and  ocean  without  rest ; 

They  also  serve,  who  only  stand  and  ^ait." 

Milton. 

There  is  a  poor  Blind  Man,  who  every  day, 
In  summer  sunshine,  or  in  winter's  rain, 
Duly  as  tolls  the  bell  to  the  high  fane, 

Explores,  with  faltering  footsteps,  his  dark  way, 

To  kneel  before  his  Maker,  and  to  hear 

The  chanted  service  pealing  full  and  clear. 

Ask  why,  alone,  in  the  same  spot  he  kneels 

Through  the  long  year  ?    Oh !  the  wide  world  is  cold, 

As  dark  to  him ;  here,  he  no  longer  feels 

His  sad  bereavement — Faith  and  Hope  uphold 

His  heart — he  feels  not  he  is  poor  and  blind, 

Amid  the  unpitying  tumult  of  mankind : 
As  thro'  the  aisles  the  choral  anthems  roll, 

His  soul  is  in  the  choirs  above  the  skies, 

And  songs,  far  off,  of  angel  companies. 


BLINDNESS.  79 


Oh!  happy,  if  the  Rich — the  Vain — the  Proud — 
The  plumed  Actors  in  life's  motley  crowd, — 
Since  pride  is  dust,  and  life  itself  a  span, — 
Would  learn  one  Lesson  from  a  poor  Blind  Man. 

Lisle  Bowles. 

I  see,  and  yet  I  see  not ;  outward  things 

Are  visible  unto  me  :  I  behold 
The  fresh,  cool  verdure  of  succeeding  springs ; 

The  glories  of  the  summer  manifold ; 

The  forests  rich  with  their  autumnal  gold ; 
The  creatures  beautiful,  that  spread  their  wings 

In  the  warm  sunshine  ;  blossoms  that  unfold 
Bright  as  man's  hopes  and  vain  imaginings. 
The  glories  of  the  universe  are  spread 

Before  me,  and  I  see  them  with  delight: 
Yet  am  I  blind  of  heart,  and  cold,  and  dead 

To  spiritual  things.     God  grant  me  light 
To  understand,  and  warmth  to  feel,  and  grace 
Thy  message  to  receive — Thy  wondrous  power  to  trace. 

Egone. 

But  in  God's  temple  the  great  lamp  is  out, 
And  he  must  worship  glory  in  the  dark ! 
Till  death,  in  midnight  mystery,  hath  brought 
The  veiled  soul's  re-illuminating  spark — 
The  pillar  of  the  cloud  enfolds  the  Ark ! 
And,  like  a  man  that  prayeth  underground 
In  Bethlehem's  rocky  shrine,  he  can  but  mark 
The  lingering  hours  by  circumstance  and  sound, 
And  break,  with  gentle  hymns,  the  solemn  silence  round. 

Yet  still  life's  better  light  shines  out  above ! 
And  in  that  village  church,  where  first  he  learned 
To  bear  his  cheerless  doom,  for  heaven's  dear  love, 
He  sits,  with  wistful  face,  for  ever  turned 
To  hear  of  those  who  heavenly  pity  earned ; 
Blind  Bartimaeus,  and  him  desolate, 
Who  for  Bethesda's  waters  vainly  yearned : 
And  only  sighs,  condemned  so  loug  to  wait, 
Baffled  and  helpless  still,  beyond  the  Temple  gate ! 

Mrs.  Norton. 


80 


BLOOD. 

AND  Moses  took  the  blood,  and  sprinkled  it  on  the  people,  and  said. 
Behold  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  which  the  Lord  hath  made  with 
you. — Exodus,  xxiv.  8. 

Deliver  me  from  Wood-guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  my  salvation  : 
and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteousness. — Psalm  li.  14. 

By  the  blood  of  thy  covenant  I  have  sent  forth  thy  prisoners  out  of 
the  pit. — Zechariah,  ix.  11. 

God  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men  for  to  dwell  on  all 
the  face  of  the  earth. — Acts,  xvii.  26. 

Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by  his  own  blood,  he 
entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal  redemp- 
tion for  us. — Hebrews,  ix.  12. 

Almost  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged  with  blood;  and  without 
shedding  of  blood  is  no  remission.— Hebrews,  ix.  22. 

The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  his  son,  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin. — I.  John, 
i.  7. 

Strange  is  it  that  our  bloods, 
Of  colour,  weight,  and  heat,  poured  all  together, 
Would  quite  confound  distinction,  yet  stand  off 
In  difference  so  mighty.  Shakspere. 

Ye  Sacred  Writings  !  on  whose  antique  leaves 
The  wondrous  deeds  of  heaven  recorded  lie, 
Say,  what  might  be  the  cause,  that  mercy  heaves 
The  dust  of  sin  above  the  starry  sky, 
And  lets  it  not  in  dust  and  ashes  fly  ? 
Could  Justice  be  of  sin  so  over-wooed, 
Or  so  great  ill  because  of  so  great  good, 
That,  bloody  man  to  save,  man's  Saviour  shed  his  blood- 
Giles  Fletcher. 

O,  thou  great  Power !  in  whom  we  move, 
By  whom  we  live,  to  whom  we  die, 

Behold  me  through  thy  beams  of  love. 
Whilst  on  this  couch  of  tears  I  lie, 

And  cleanse  my  sordid  soul  within 

By  thy  Christ's  blood,  the  bath  of  sin. 

No  hallowed  oils,  no  gums  I  need, 
No  new-born  drams  of  purging  fire  : 

One  rosy  drop  from  David's  seed 

Was  worlds  of  seas  to  quench  thine  ire  : 

O,  precious  ransom  !  which  once  paid, 

The  Consummatum  est  was  said. 


liLOOD.  81 

And  said  by  him,  that  said  no  more. 

But  sealed  it  with  his  sacred  breath : 
Thou,  then,  thus  hast  dispurged  our  score. 

And  dying  wort  the  death  of  death  ; 
Be  now  whilst  on  thy  name  we  call, 
Our  life,  our  strength,  our  joy,  our  all. 

Sir  Henry  Wotton* 

Stretched  on  the  cross,  the  Saviour  dies, 
Hark  !  his  expinng  groans  arise  ! 
how  the  sacred  crimson  tide 
Flows  from  his  hands,  his  feet,  his  side. 
But  life  attends  the  dcathfnl  sound. 
And  flows  from  every  bleeding  wound; 
The  vital  stream,  how  free  it  flows. 
To  save  and  cleanse  his  rebel  foes  ! 
Lord!  didst  thou  bleed?  for  sinners  bleed? 
And  could  the  sun  behold  the  deed  r 
No !  he  withdrew  his  sickening  ray. 
And  darkness  veiled  the  mourning  day.  Steele. 

There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood, 

Drawn  from  Immanuel's  veins  ; 
And  sinners  plunged  beneath  that  flood. 

Lose  all  their  guilty  stains. 

The  dying  thief  rejoiced  to  see 

That  fountain  in  his  day  : 
O  may  I  there,  though  vile  as  he. 

Wash  all  my  sins  away  ! 

Dear  dying  Lamb  !  thy  precious  blood 

Shali  never  lose  its  power, 
Till  all  the  ransomed  church  of  God 

Be  saved,  to  sin  no  more.  Cotoper. 

Xot  all  the  blood  of  beasts 

On  Jewish  altars  slain, 
Could  give  the  guilty  conscience  peace, 

Or  wash  away  the  stain. 

But  Christ  the  heavenly  Lamb, 

Takes  all  our  sins  away  ; 
A  sacrifice  of  nobler  name. 

And  richer  blood  than  they.  Watts. 


BLOSSOM. 

Therefore  as  the  fire  devoureth  the  stubble,  and  the  flame  consu- 
meth  the  chaff,  so  their  root  shall  be  as  rottenness,  and  their  blossom 
shall  go  up  as  dust :  because  they  hare  cast  away  the  law  of  the  Lord 
of  hosts,  and  despised  the  word  of  the  Holy  One  of  Israel.— Isaiab. 
v.  24. 

The  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  shall  be  glad  for  them ;  and 
the  desert  shall  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the  rose.  It  shall  blossom 
abundantly.— Isaiah,  xxxv.  1.  2. 

Fair  pledges  of  a  fruitful  tree, 

Why  do  you  fall  so  fast  ? 

Your  date  is  not  so  past 
But  you  may  stay  yet  here  awhile. 

To  blush  and  gently  smile, 
And  go  at  last. 

What !  were  ye  born  to  be 

An  hour  and  half  s  delight 

And  so  to  bid  good-night  ? 
'T  was  pity  nature  Drought  ye  forth 

Merely  to  show  your  worth, 
And  lose  you  quite. 

But  you  are  lovely  leaves,  where  we 
May  read  how  soon  things  have 
Their  end,  though  ne'er  so  brave, 

And  after  they  have  shown  their  pride 
Like  you  awhile,  they  glide 

Into  the  grave.  Her  rick. 

Our  life  hath  many  a  wintry  scene, 

Deciduous  are  our  sweetest  joys  ; 
And  blossoms  that  have  loveliest  been, 

Some  withering  demon  oft  destroys. 

But  there  are  germs  that  inly  lie, 

Waiting  the  touch  of  some  kind  hand, 
Germs  that  destruction's  power  defy, 
And  soon  in  bloom  of  hope  expand. 

W.  J.  Brock. 
Lo,  the  arid  desert 

Shall  blossom  as  the  rose, 
Wheresoe'er  the  messenger 

Of  the  Saviour  goes.  Egone. 


BOLDNESS.  83 


BOLDNESS. 

I  speak  as  concerning  reproach,  a*  though  we  had  been  weak.  How- 
beitwh  :  [  Bpeak  foolishly,)  I  am  '«</</  also.— II. 

Corinthians,  xi.  21. 

Great  is  my  boldness  of  speech  towards  you.     II.  CJorinthiana,  vii.  4. 

Christ  Jesus  our  Lord:  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access  with 
confidence  by  the  faith  of  him. — Ephesians,  iii.  11.  12. 

Herein  is  our  love  made  perfect,  that  wo  may  have  boldness  in  the  day 
of  judgment  :  because  as  be  is,  bo  arc  we  in  this  world.  — L  John.  iv.  17. 

We  were  bold  in  our  God  to  f  peak  unto  you  the  gospel  of  God  with 
much  contention.— I.  Thessalonian-,  ii.  2. 

The  wicked  flee  when  no  man  pnrsueth  :  but  the  righteous  are  bold  as 
a  lion.— Proverbs,  xxviii.  1. 

Where  high  the  heavenly  temple  stands, 
The  house  of  God  not  made  with  hands, 
A  great  High  Priest  our  nature  wears, 
The  guardian  of  mankind  appears. 

He  who  for  men  their  surety  stood, 
And  poured  on  earth  His  precious  blood, 
Pursues  in  heaven  His  mighty  plan, 
The  Saviour  and  the  friend  of  man. 

With  boldness,  therefore,  at  the  throne 

Let  us  make  all  our  sorrows  known, 

And  ask  the  aid  of  heavenly  power 

To  help  us  in  the  evil  hour.  Logan. 

Jesus  !  Thy  blood  and  righteousness 
My  beauty  are  my  glorious  dress  ; 
'Midst  naming  worlds,  in  these  array'd, 
With  joy  shall  I  lift  up  my  head. 

Bold  shall  I  stand  in  Thy  great  day  ; 

For  who  aught  to  my  charge  shall  lay  ? 

Fully  absolv'd  through  these  I  am 

From  sin  and  fear,  from  guilt  and  shame.        Wesley. 

The  man  is  bold  who  fronts  the  cannon's  mouth, 

And  trembles  not  when  danger  leads  the  way ; 

But  bolder  far  is  he  who  speaks  the  truth 

Regardless  who  may  stand  around  and  hear, 

And  with  a  kindly  spirit  dares  reprove 

The  fool  that  cavils  at  a  world  to  come.      J.  Burbidge. 


84  BONDAGE. 


BONDAGE. 

THE  bondage  was  heavy  upon  this  people. — Nehemiah,  v.  18. 

They  answered  him,  We  be  Abraham's  seed,  and  were  never  in 
bondage  to  any  man :  how  savest  thou,  Ye  shall  be  made  free. — John. 
viii.  3S. 

And  God  spake  on  this  wise,  That  his  seed  should  sojourn  in  a  strange 
land  :  and  that  they  should  bring-  them  into  bondage,  and  entreat  them 
evil  four  hundred  years. — Acts,  vii.  6. 

The  creature  itself  also  shall  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  cor- 
ruption into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.— Romans, 
viii.  21. 

Put  on  charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  perfectness. — Colossians,  hi.  14. 

Deliver  them  who  through  fear  of  death  were  all  their  lifetime  subject 
to  bondage. — Hebrews,  ii.  15. 

Get  up,  my  soul ;  redeem  thy  sluggish  eyes 

From  drowsy  bondage  :  O  beware  ;  be  wise  : 

Thy  foe  's  before  thee ;  thou  must  fight  or  fly  : 

Life  lies  most  open  in  a  closed  eye.  Quarles. 

Lamb  of  God,  for  sinners  slain, 

To  thee  I  feebly  pray  ; 
Heal  me  of  my  grief  and  pain, 

O  take  my  sins  away ; 

From  this  bondage  Lord  release  ; 

No  longer  let  me  be  opprest ; 
Jesus,  blaster,  seal  my  peace, 

And  take  me  to  thy  breast. 

My  God,  what  silken  cords  are  thine  ! 

How  soft,  and  yet  how  strong  ! 
While  power,  and  truth,  and  love  combine, 

To  draw  our  souls  along. 

Thou  sawest  us  crushed  beneath  the  yoke 

Of  Satan  and  of  sin: 
Thy  hand  the  iron  bondage  broke, 

Our  worthless  hearts  to  win. 

Drawn  by  such  cords,  we  onward  move, 

Till  round  thy  throne  we  meet; 
And,  captive  in  the  chains  of  love, 

Embrace  our  conqueror's  feet.  Doddridge. 


BOOK.  85 


BOOK. 

Axd  he  took  the  book  of  the  covenant,  and  read  in  the  andiencc  of 
the  people.— Exodus,  xxiv.  7. 

Ezra  opened  the  book  in  the  sight  of   all  the  people;    (for  * 
above  all  the  people;)   and  when  he  opened  it,  all  th 
up.— Nehemiah.  viii.  5. 

Oh  that  my  words  were  now  written !  oh  that  they  were  pri 
a  book!— Job,  six.  J3. 

Of  making  many  books  there  is  no  end ;  and  much  study  is  a  weari- 
ness of  the  flesh.— Ecclesiastes,  xii.  12. 

There  shall  in  nowise  enter  into  it  (the  holy  city)  any  thing  that 
defileth.  neither  whatsoever  worketh  abomination,  or  m  kstfa  a  lie: 
but  they  which  are  written  in  the  Lamb'fl  boot  of  life.  —  Revelation. 
xxi.  27. 

Thy  glass  will  shew  thee  how  thy  beauties  wear, 

Thy  dial  how  thy  precious  miuutes  waste. 
Thy  vaeaut  leaves  thy  mind's  imprint  will  bear. 

And  of  this  book  this  learning  niay'st  thou  taste  : 
The  wrinkles  which  thy  glass  will  truly  show, 

Of  mouthed  graves  will  give  thee  memory; 
Thou  by  the  dial's  shady  stealth  may'st  know 

Time's  thievish  progress  to  eternity  ; 
Look,  what  thy  memory  cannot  contain. 

Commit  to  these  waste  blanks,  and  thou  shall  find 
Those  children  nursed  delivered  from  th}'  brain 

To  take  a  new  acquaintance  of  thy  mind. 
These  offices  so  oft  as  thou  wilt  look, 
"Will  profit  thee,  and  much  enrich  thy  book. 

Shdkspere. 
But  what  strange  art,  what  magic  can  dispose 
The  troubled  mind  to  change  its  native  woes, 
Or  lead  us  willing  from  ourselves,  to  see 
Others  more  wretched,  more  undone  than  we  ? 
This  books  can  do ; — nor  this  alone,  they  give 
New  views  of  life,  and  teach  us  how  to  live. 
They  soothe  the  grieved,  the  stubborn  they  chastise, 
Fools  they  admonish,  and  confouud  the  wise ; 
Their  aid  they  lead  to  all ;  they  never  shun 
The  man  of  sorrow,  nor  the  wretch  undone. 
Unlike  the  hard,  the  selfish,  and  the  proud, 
They  fly  not  sullen  from  the  suppliant  crowd ; 
Nor  tell  to  various  people  various  things, 
But  show  to  subjects  what  they  show  to  kings. 


86  BOOK. 

Blessed  be  the  gracious  Power !  who  taught  mankind 

To  stamp  a  lasting  image  of  the  mind. 

Beasts  may  convey  and  tuneful  birds  may  sing 

Their  mutual  feelings  in  the  opening  spring, 

But  man  alone  has  skill  and  power  to  send 

The  heart's  warm  dictates  to  a  distant  friend ; 

'Tis  his  alone  to  please,  instruct,  advise 

Ages  remote,  and  nations  yet  to  rise.  Crabbe. 

I  love  the  sacred  book  of  God, 

No  other  can  its  place  supply ; 
It  points  me  to  the  saints'  abode, 

It  gives  me  wings,  and  bids  me  fly. 

Blest  book  !  in  thee  my  eyes  discern 

The  image  of  my  absent  Lord ; 
From  thine  instructive  page  I  learn 

The  joys  his  presence  will  afford. 

Then  shall  I  need  thy  light  no  more, 
For  nothing  shall  be  there  concealed ; 

When  I  have  reached  the  heavenly  shore 
The  Lord  himself  will  stand  revealed. 

When,  'midst  the  throng  celestial  placed, 

The  bright  original  I  see, 
From  which  thy  sacred  page  was  traced, 

Blest  booh  I  I  've  no  more  need  of  thee. 

But  while  I  'm  here  thou  shalt  supply 
His  place,  and  tell  me  of  His  love; 

I  '11  read  with  faith's  discerning  eye, 

And  thus  partake  of  joys  above.  Kelly. 

There  is  a  book,  who  runs  may  read, 

Which  heavenly  truth  imparts, 
And  all  the  lore  its  scholars  need 

Pure  eyes  and  Christian  hearts. 

The  works  of  God  above,  below. 

Within  us,  and  around, 
Are  pages  in  that  book,  to  show 

How  God  Himself  is  found.  Keble. 


BOUNTY.  87 


BOUNTY. 

1  WILL  sing  onto  the  I.  he  hath  dealt  bountifully  with 

mi'.- l'siiha  xiii.  t>. 

Return  unto  thy  r  al :  for  the  Lord  hath  dealtbountifully 

with  thee.— Psahn  cxvi.  7. 

Being  enriched   in  every  thing  to  all   botmtyfulness,  which  causeth 
through  us  thanksgiving  to  God. — II.  Corinthians,  ix.  11. 

This  goodly  frame  of  temperance, 
Formerly  grounded,  and  fast  settled 
On  firm  foundation  of  true  bountihood.  Spenser. 

Those  godlike  men,  to  wanting  virtue  kind, 

Bounty  well  placed  preferred,  and  well  designed, 

To  all  their  titles.  Dry  den. 

How  full  of  cheer, 
Joyous,  devout,  and  grateful  is  the  soul 
To  see  again  its  unexhausted  God 
Thus  pile  the  table  of  a  world  with  bread  ! 
For  what 's  the  globe  on  which  we  all  subsist  ? 
The  table  of  immortal  bounty  'tis, 
A  feast  perpetual,  where  unnumbered  sons 
Sit  down  to  banquet  as  their  sires  withdraw, 
And  in  succession  generations  feed, 
Contented  rise,  give  thanks,  and  pass  away. 

Hurdis. 
The  hand  that  built  the  palace  of  the  sky, 
Formed  the  light  wings  that  decorate  a  fly ; 
The  power  that  wheels  the  circling  planets  round, 
Rears  every  infant  floweret  on  the  ground  ; 
That  bounty  which  the  mightiest  beings  share, 
Feeds  the  least  gnat  that  gilds  the  evening  air. 

J.  Montgomery. 
I  love  the  Lord; — he  lent  an  ear 

When  I  for  help  implored  ; 
He  rescued  me  from  all  my  fear, 
Therefore  I  love  the  Lord. 

eturn,  my  soul,  unto  mj  rest, 

From  God  no  longer  roam ; 

His  hand  hath  bountifully  blest, 

His  goodness  called  thee  home.       J.  Montgomery. 


88  BEEAD. 


BBEAD. 

Then  said  the  Lord  unto  Moses,  Behold,  I  will  rain  bread  from 
heaven  for  you;  and  the  people  shall  go  out  and  gather  a  certain 
rate  every  day,  that  I  may  prove  them,  whether  they  will  walk  in 
my  law,  or  no. — Exodus,  xvi.  4. 

Man  doth  not  live  by  bread  only,  but  by  every  word  that  pro- 
ceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  cloth  man  live. — Deuteronomy. 
viii.  2. 

Bread  which  strengtheneth  man's  heart. — Psalm  civ.  15. 

Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters  :  for  thou  shalt  find  it  after  many 
days. — Ecclesiastes,  xi.  1. 

He    that    walketh    righteously,   and    speaketh  uprightly ;    he   that 
despiseth  the  gain  of  oppressions,  that  shaketh  his  hands  from  1 
of  bribes,  that  stoppeth  his  ears  from  hearing  of  blood,  and  s 
his  eyes  from  seeing  evil ;  he  shall  dwell  on  high  :  his  place  of  defence 
shall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks  :  bread  shall  be  given  him  ;  his  waters 
shall  be  sure. — Isaiah,  xxxiii.  15,  16. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. — Matthew,  vi.  11. 

The  bread  of  G-od  is  he  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  - 
life  unto  the  world. — John,  vi.  33. 

O  King  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sea ! 
The  hungry  ravens  cry  to  thee ; 
To  thee  the  scaly  tribes  that  sweep 
The  bosom  of  the  boundless  deep. 

Thy  bounteous  hand  with  food  can  bless 
The  bleak  and  lonely  wilderness  ; 
And  thou  has  taught  us,  Lord,  to  pray 
For  daily  bread  from  day  to  day. 

And  O,  when  through  the  wilds  we  roam, 
That  part  us  from  our  heavenly  home  ; 
When  lost  in  danger,  want,  and  woe, 
Our  faithless  tears  begin  to  flosv  ; 

Do  thou  thy  gracious  comfort  give, 

By  which  alone  the  soul  may  live ; 

And  grant  thy  servants,  Lord,  we  pray, 

The  bread  of  life,  from  day  to  day.  Heber. 

Bread  of  Heaven  !  on  thee  I  feed, 

For  thy  flesh  is  meat  indeed. 

Ever  may  my  soul  be  fed 

With  this  true  and  living  bread  ; 

Day  by  day  with  strength  supplied, 

Through  the  life  of  Him  who  died.  Conder. 


BHEAD.  89 


"Give  us  our  daily  bread" — and  was  that  prayer 
Unanswered  from  high  Heav'n's  eternal  dome? 
No,  poor  man,  no ! — its  music  entered  there, 
And  blessings  dropp'd  upon  our  earthly  home : 
Let  thy  sad  eye  look  round  thee  everywhere, 
When  the  rich  showers  or  golden  sunbeams  come, 
And  plenty  greets  thee  from  the  teeming  sod — 
The  fruit  that  blossoms  from  the  hand  of  God  ? 

"Give  us  our  daily  bread;"  Heaven  whispers,  "Yes." 
"Give  us  our  daily  bread;"  Earth  mutters,  "No," 
And  mocks  the  w  eepings  of  her  sons'  distress : 
Bright  hours  of  change  are  coming,  sure  though  slow, 
When  pride,  and  want,  and  error  shall  be  less, 
And  more  of  Heaven  be  registered  below  ; 
Even  now  the  half  of  Slavery's  flag  is  furled, 
And  Thought's  free  sunshine  circles  the  wide  world. 

Burring  ton. 
Kill  not  the  flower  that  feeds  the  useful  bee, 

For  more  than  beauteous  is  that  sweet  flower's  blush ; 
'Tis  toil's  reward  that  sweetens  industry, 

As  love  inspires  with  strength  th'  enraptured  thrush. 

To  fall'n  humanity  our  Father  said, 

That  food  and  bliss  should  not  be  found  unsought: 
That  man  should  labour  for  his  daily  bread; 

But  not  that  man  should  toil  and  sweat  for  nought. 
Not  that  the  best  should  live  a  living  death, 
To  give  the  worst  a  beastly  sense  of  life ; 
And  waste  in  servitude  their  fleeting  breath, 
Weeping  with  care  and  want  a  hopeless  strife. 

E.  Elliott. 
Father  in  heaven  !  thy  sacred  name 

In  hallowed  strains  be  sung! 
Thy  kingdom  spread  o'er  all  the  earth ; 
Thy  praise  fill  every  tongue. 

By  happy  spirits  round  thy  throne, 

As  thy  commands  are  done  ; 
So  be  thy  perfect  will  obeyed 

By  all  beneath  the  sun. 

Our  numerous  wants  are  known  to  thee, 

Who  canst  alone  supply  ; 
O  grant  each  day  our  daily  bread, 

Nor  other  good  deny.    '  Hancox. 


90  BBEAK. 


BEE  AX— BEE  AXING. 

Our  heart  is  not  turned  back,  neither  have  our  steps  declined  from 
thy  way ;  though  thou  hast  sore  broken  us  in  the  place  of  dragons, 
and  covered  us  with  the  shadow  of  death. — Psalm  xhv.  IS,  19. 

The  Lord  doth  build  up  Jerusalem ;  he  gathereth  together  the  out- 
casts of  Israel. 

He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds. — 
Psalm  cxlvii.  2,  3. 

The  Lord  hath  annotated  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek ; 
he  hath  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty 
to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound. 
— Isaiah,  lxi.  1. 

A  bruised  reed  shall  he  not  break. — Isaiah,  xlii.  3. 

For  circumcision  verily  profiteth,  if  thou  keep  the  law  :  but  if  thou 
be  a  breaker  of  the  law,  thy  circumcision  is  made  uncircumcision. — 
Romans,  ii.  2-3. 

O  MANY 

Have  broke  their  backs  with  laying  manors  on  'em 
For  this  great  journey.  Shakspere. 

Virtues  like  these 
Make  human  nature  shine,  reform  the  soul, 
And  break  our  fierce  barbarians  into  men. 

Addison. 
Unhappy  man,  to  break  the  pious  laws 
Of  nature,  pleading  in  his  children's  cause.        Dry  den. 

Almighty  Power,  by  whose  most  wise  command, 
Helpless,  forlorn,  uncertain,  here  I  stand ; 
Take  this  faint  glimmering  of  thyself  away, 
And  break  into  my  soul  with  perfect  day  ! 

Arbuthnot. 

See  Heaven  its  sparkling  portals  wide  display, 

And  break  upon  thee  in  a  flood  of  day.  Pope. 

Not  streaming  blood,  nor  purging  fire, 

Thy  righteous  anger  can  appease ; 
Burnt-offerings  thou  dost  not  require, 

Or  gladly  I  would  render  these. 

The  broken  heart  in  sacrifice, 

Alone  may  thine  acceptance  meet ; 
My  heart,  O  God,  do  not  despise, 

Broken  and  contrite,  at  thy  feet. 

J.  Montgomery. 


BREATH.  91 


BREATH— BKEATHING. 

BY  the  blast  of  God  they  perish,  and  by  the  breath  of  his  nostrils 
are  they  consumed. — Job,  iv.  9. 

Thou  hidest  thy  face,  they  are  troubled  :  thou  takeet  away  their 
breath,  they  die,  and  return  to  their  dust.— Psalm  civ.  •_'!>. 

Behold,  the  name  of  the  Lord  cometh  from  far.  burning  with  his 
anger,  and  the  burden  thereof  is  heavy  :  his  lips  are  full  of  indignation, 
and  his  tongue  as  a  devouring  fire. 

And  his  breath,  as  an  overflowing  stream,  shall  reach  to  the  midst 
of  the  neck. — Isaiah,  xxx.  : 

Thou  hast  heard  my  voice :  hide  not  thine  ear  at  my  breathing,  at 
my  cry.— Lamentations,  iii.  56. 


Since  I  in  storms  most  used  to  be, 

And  seldom  yeilded  flowers, 
How  shall  I  get  a  wreath  for  thee 

From  those  rude  barren  hours  ? 
The  softer  dressings  of  the  spring, 

Or  summer's  later  store, 
I  will  not  for  thy  temples  bring, 

Which  thorns,  not  roses,  wore : 
But  a  twined  wreath  of  grief  and  praise, 

Praise  soiled  with  tears,  and  tears  again 
Shining  with  joy,  like  dewy  days. 

This  day  I  bring  for  all  thy  pain, 
Thy  causeless  pain ;  and  as  sad  death, 

Which  sadness  breeds  in  the  most  vain, 
O  not  in  vain ;  now  beg  thy  breath, 

Thy  quick'ning  breath,  which  gladly  bears 
Through  saddest  clouds  to  that  glad  place 

Where  cloudless  quires  sing  without  tears, 
Sing  thy  just  praise,  and  see  thy  face. 

Henry   Yaughan. 

As  those  we  love  decay,  we  die  in  part, 

String  after  string  is  severed  from  the  heart ; 

Till  loosened  life,  at  last,  but  breathing  clay, 

Without  one  pang  is  glad  to  fall  away. 

Unhappy  he  who  latest  feels  the  blow, 

Whose  eyes  have  wept  o'er  every  friend,  laid  low, 

Dragged  lingering  on,  from  partial  death  to  death, 

Till,  dying,  all  he  can  resign  is  breath.  Thornton. 


92  BBIGHTNESS. 


BRIGHTNESS. 

THROUGH  the  brightness  before  him  were  coals  of  fire  kindled. — II. 
Samuel,  xxii.  13. 

G-od  came  from  Teman,  and  the  Holy  One  from  Mount  Paran.  His 
glory  covered  the  heavens,  and  the  earth  was  full  of  his  praise.  And 
his  brightness  was  as  the  light. — Habakkuk,  iii.  3,  4. 

Then  shall  that  wicked  be  revealed,  whom  the  Lord  shall  consume 
with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth,  and  shall  destroy  with  the  brightness  of 
his  coming. — II.  Thessalonians,  ii.  8. 

Impotent  words,  weak  lines,  that  strive  in  vain, 

In  vain,  alas  !  to  tell  so  heavenly  sight ! 
So  heavenly  sight  as  none  can  greater  feign, 

Feign  what  he  can,  that  seems  of  greatest  might : 

Could  any  yet  compare  with  Infinite  ? 

Infinite  sure  these  joys  ;  my  words  but  light : 
Light  is  the  palace  where  she   dwells — O  then  how 
bright !  Giles  Fletcher. 

Through  a  cloud, 
Drawn  round  about  thee  like  a  radiant  shrine, 
Dark  with  excessive  bright  thy  skirts  appear. 

Milton. 
Hope  elevates,  and  joy 
Brightens  his  crest.  Milton. 

High  in  yonder  realms  of  light, 

Far  above  these  lower  skies, 
Fair  and  exquisitely  bright, 

Heaven's  unfading  mansions  rise. 

Built  of  pure  and  massy  gold, 

Strong  and  durable  are  they  ; 
Deck'd  with  gems  of  worth  untold, 

Subjected  to  no  decay.  Raffles. 

My  Father's  house  on  high, 

Home  of  my  soul,  how  near 
At  times,  to  faith's  foreseeing  eye, 

Thy  golden  gates  appear ! 

Ah !  then  my  spirit  faints 

To  reach  the  land  I  love, 
The  bright  inheritance  of  saints, 

Jerusalem  above.  J.  Montgomery. 


BROTHERHOOD.  93 


BROTHERHOOD. 

Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thine  heart.    Leviticus,  .\i\.  17 

If  thy  brother  be  waxen   poor,  and   hath  sold  away   some  of  hie 
-  on.   and   if   any    of    his    kin    come  to  redeem  it.  then  shall  ho 
that  which  his  brother  sold.  -  Leviticus,  xxv.  •.»."». 

If  there  be  amen.:  yoo  a    poor   man  of   one  of    th\   brethren  within 
any  of  thy  gates,  in  thy  land  which  the   Lord   th\   God  gdreth 
thou  shalt  not   harden  thine  heart,  nor  shut  thy  hand  from  thy  poor 
brother:   but   thou    shalt  open   thine  hand  wide  unto  him.  and  shalt 
surely  lend  him  sufficient    for   his  need,  in  that  which  he  wanteth. 
Deuteronomy,  xv.  7.  B. 

If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  thy 
brother  hath  aught  againsl  thee;  leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar, 
and  go  thy  way;  hist  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and  then  come 
and  offer  thy  gift.— Matthew,  v.  J3.  24. 

Then  came  Peter  to  him,  and  said.  Lord,  how  oft  shall  my  brother 
sin  against  me,  and  I  forgive  him?  till  seven  times? 

Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  say  not  unto  thee,  Until  seven  times :  but, 
Until  seventy  times  seven. — Matthew,  xviii.  21,  22. 

Whosoever  doeth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  Rod,  neither  he  that 
loveth  not  his  brother. — I.  John,  iii.  10. 

Come.  Christian  brethren,  ere  we  part, 
Join  every  voice  and  every  heart, 
Our  solemn  hymn  to  God  we  raise 
Our  final  song  of  grateful  praise. 

Christians  we  here  may  meet  no  more, 
But  there  is  yet  a  happier  shore ; 
And  there,  released  from  toil  and  pain, 
Brethren,  we  all  shall  meet  again. 

H.  Kirke  White. 

Even  now  a  radiant  angel  goeth  forth, 
A  spirit  that  hath  healing  in  its  wings — 
And  flyeth  east  and  west,  and  south  and  north. 
To  do  the  bidding  of  the  King  of  Kings  ; 
Stirring  men's  hearts  to  compass  better  things, 
And  teaching  Brotherhood  as  that  sweet  source, 
Which  holdeth  in  itself  all  blessed  springs  ; 
And  showeth  how  to  guide  its  silver  course, 
When  it  shall  flood  the  world  with  deep  exulting  force. 

Mrs.  Norton. 
A  brother's  grave  oft  leads  the  soul 

Up  to  a  brothers  joys  ; 
Joys  which  ne'er  yield  to  time's  controul. 

Beyond  the  jewelled  skies.  W.  J.  Brock. 


94  BB0THEEH00D. 


Oh,  if  the  thought  be  beautiful,  if  it  be  wise  and  kind, 
To  weave  the   bond   of  brotherhood,  the   whole   wide 

world  to  bind; 
And  if  to  sheathe  the  murderous   sword  be  called  a 

holy  deed, 
Let  all  the  praise  be  given  to  Thee,  from  whom  all 

such  proceed ! 
Hail,  manifested  Saviour  King  !  Brother  of  every  man ! 
Of  the  poor  negro  in  his  chains,  the  roving  mountain  clan ; 
Redeemer  of  the  forest  child,  and  of  the  fettered  slave  ; 
Lover  of  every  human  soul,  in  city,  waste,  or  wave. 

Emma  Tatham. 

Give  me  thy  hand,  brother — give  me  thy  hand, 
But  not  as  our  fathers  did,  dropping  with  gore ; 

Dash  down  the  gauntlet,  and  shiver  the  brand, 
But  not  in  the  fashion  they  did  so  of  yore ; 

Throw  away  war's  array, — come  let  us  prove 

Which  has  the  heart  that  is  strongest  in  love. 

Dost  thou  come  from  Columbia,  afar  o'er  the  deep, 
Where  the  forest  its  requiem  sings  in  the  storm ; 
Where  the  bison  and  elk  o'er  the  broad  prairie  sweep, 

And  the  hero  of  labour  has  conquered  a  farm  ? 
Ah,  then  come  away,  as  a  brother  should  come, 
For  our  fathers  had  birth  in  the  same  island  home. 

J.  B.  Syme. 
Oh !  never  let  us  lightly  fling 

The  barb  of  woe  to  wound  another ; 
Oh  !  let  us  never  haste  to  bring 
The  cup  of  sorrow  to  a  brother. 

Each  has  the  power  to  wound,  but  he 
Who  wounds  that  he  may  witness  pain, 

Has  learnt  no  law  of  charity, 

Which  ne'er  inflicts  a  pang  in  vain. 

'T  is  godlike  to  awaken  joy, 

Or  sorrow's  influence  to  subdue  : 
But  not  to  wound,  nor  to  annoy, 

Is  part  of  virtue's  lesson  too  ;— 

Peace,  winged  in  fairer  worlds  above, 
Shall  lend  her  dawn  and  brighten  this, 

When  all  man's  labour  shall  be  love, 
And  all  his  thoughts  a  brother  s  bliss. 

J.  Boivring. 


BROTHERHOOD.  95 


In  all  around  we  see 
Links  of  the  chain  that  binds  the  soul  of  man 
Unto  his  brother  man.     No  human  eye 
Can  gaze  undazzled  where  those  links  begin, 
Nor  trace  them  to  their  end.     Alone  to  Faith, 
With  her  far  eagle-gaze,  'tis  given  to  see 
That  the  all-loving  heart  of  Nature's  God, 
And  man's  Redeemer,  is  the  burning  clasp 
That  joins  in  one  that  all-embracing  zone, 
Round  as  the  circle  of  eternity. 

****** 

This  truth,  more  beautiful  than  all  beside, 

That  He,  whose  name  is  Love,  and  from  whose  heart, 

As  from  a  living  and  immortal  root, 

The  whole  fair  universe  hath  budded  forth, 

Hath  granted  him  the  high  and  holy  right 

To  call  him  "Father" — So  all  things  speak 

God's  Fatherhood,  and  Brotherhood  of  man. 

E.  M.  P. 

Not  with  the  flashing  steel, 
Not  with  the  cannon's  peal, 

Nor  stir  of  drum ; 
But  in  the  bonds  of  love, 
Our  white  flag  floats  above  ; 
Its  emblem  is  the  dove, — 

Thus  we  come. 

Oh,  then !  in  God's  great  name, 
Let  each  pure  spirit's  flame 

Burn  bright  and  clear; 
Stand  firmly  in  your  lot, 
Cry  ye  aloud,  doubt  not, 
Be  every  fear  forgot, 

Christ  leads  us  here. 

So  shall  earth's  distant  lands, 
In  happy,  holy  bands, 

One  brotherhood, 
Together  rise  and  sing, 
Gifts  to  one  altar  bring, 
And  heaven's  eternal  King 

Pronounce  it  good.  Elnathan  Davis. 


96  BEOTHEEHOOD. 


In  these  romantic  regions  man  grows  wild : 
Here  dwells  the  Negro,  nature's  outcast  child  ; 
Scorned  by  his  brethren ;  but  his  mother's  eye. 
That  gazes  on  him  from  her  warmest  sky, 
Sees  in  his  flexile  limbs  untutored  grace, 
Power  on  his  forehead,  beauty  in  his  face; 
Sees  in  his  breast,  where  lawless  passions  rove, 
The  heart  of  friendship,  and  the  home  of  love  ; 
Sees  in  his  mind,  where  desolation  reigns, 
Fierce  as  his  clime,  uncultured  as  his  plains, 
A  soil  where  virtue's  fairest  flowers  might  shoot, 
And  trees  of  science  bend  with  glorious  fruit ; 
Sees  in  his  soul,  involved  in  thickest  night, 
An  emanation  of  eternal  light, 
Ordained,  'midst  sinking  worlds,  his  dust  to  fire. 
And  shine  for  ever  when  the  stars  expire. 
Is  he  not  man,  though  Knowledge  never  shed 
Her  quickening  beams  on  his  neglected  head? 
Ls  he  not  man,  though  sweet  Religion's  voice 
Ne'er  made  the  mourner  in  his  God  rejoice? 
Is  he  not  man,  by  sin  and  suffering  tried  ? 
Is  he  not  man,  for  whom  the  Saviour  died? 
Belie  the  Negro's  powers  : — in  headlong  will, 
Christian !  thy  brother  thou  shalt  prove  him  still : 
Belie  his  virtues  ;  since  his  wrongs  began, 
His  follies  and  his  crimes  have  stamped  him  man. 

J.  Montgomery. 

For  God,  who  made  this  teeming  earth  so  full, 
And  made  the  proud  dependent  on  the  dull — 
The  strong  upon  the  weak,  thereby  would  show 
One  common  bond  should  link  us  all  below. 

Mrs  Norton. 
If  I  were  a  voice,  a  convincing  voice, 

I  'd  travel  with  the  wind, 
And  wherever  I  saw  the  nations  torn 
By  warfare,  jealousy,  or  scorn, 

Or  hatred  of  their  kind, 
I'  d  fly,  I'  d  fly,  on  the  thunder  crash, 
And  into  their  blinded  bosoms  flash; 
And  all  their  evil  thoughts  subdued, 
I'  d  teach  them  Christian  Brotherhood. 

C.  Mackay. 


CALAMITY.  97 


CALAMITY. 

I    prevented  ,""  '"   ' "'■'  day  °f  mv  calamity:   but  the  Lord  was 
.  -II.  Samuel,  xxii.  19. 

:.  and  my  cala/ni'ii  laid  in 
her! — Job,  vi.  2. 

Be  merciful   unto  me.  0   God.  be   merciful   unto  me:   for  my  soul 
th    in   thee:    yea.  in   the  shadow   of  thy  wingB  will  I    make  my 

vii.  1. 

He  that   is  glad  at  calamities  shall  not  be  unpunished.—  Proverbs, 
xvii.  •">. 

Strict  necessity 
Subdues  me,  and  calamitous  constraint ! 
Lest  in  my  hand  both  sin  and  punishment, 
However  insupportable,  be  all 
Devolved.  Mi  I  tun. 

Much  rather  I  shall  choose 
To  live  the  poorest  in  my  tribe,  than  richest 
To  be  in  that  calamitous  prison  left.  Milton. 

From  adverse  shores  in  safety  let  her  hear 
Foreign  calamity  and  distant  war; 

Of  which,  great  heav'n.  let  her  no  portion  bear. 

2'rior. 
Friends  counsel  quick  dismission  of  our  grief; 
Mistaken  kindness  !    Our  hearts  heal  too  soon, 
Are  they  more  kind  than  He  who  struck  the  blow? 
Who  bids  it  do  His  errand  in  our  In 
And  banish  peace  till  nobler  guests  arrive. 
And  bring  it  back,  a  true  and  endless  peace? 
Calamities  are  friends.  Young. 

"When  great  calamities  afflict  the  soul, 

Then,  God  of  Mercy,  then,  we  cry  to  Thee! 

Thou  the  physician  art  to  make  us  whole ; 
Thou  art  the  help  in  our  calamity. 

But  when  the  clouds  of  grief  be  overpast, 
And  we  may  bask  in  sunshine  once  again. 

Then  praise  and  prayer  become  a  weary  task; 

Thee  we  forget,  and  so  neglect  to  ask 

The  aid  we  implored  amid  our  grief  and  pain. 

Calamities  are  links  of  that  bright  chain 

Of  love  divine  around  us  ever  cast, 

Weaning  us  from  the  world,  and  all  things  light  and 
vain.  Eqone. 

*  „  U 


98  CALMNESS. 


CALMNESS. 

THEN  said  they  unto  him,  What  shall  we  do  unto  thee,  that  the 
sea  may  be  calm  unto  us?  for  the  sea  -wrought,  and  was  tempestuous. 

And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  me  up.  and  cast  me  forth  into  the 
sea ;  so  shall  the  sea  be  calm  unto  you :  for  I  know  that  for  my  sake 
this  great  tempest  is  upon  you. 

So  they  took  up  Jonah,  and  cast  him  forth  into  the  sea  :  and  the 
sea  ceased  from  her  raging.— Jonah,  i.  11,  12,  15. 

As  they  sailed  he  fell  asleep :  and  there  came  down  a  storm  of  wind 
on  the  lake;   and  they  were  filled  with  water,  and  were  in  jeopardy. 

And  they  came  to  him,   and  awoke  him.  saying,  Master,  masl 
perish!     Then  he  arose,  and  rebuked  the  wind  and  the  raging  of  the 
water :  and  they  ceased,  and  there  was  a  calm. — Luke,  viii.  28,  24. 

Be  calm  in  arguing — for  fierceness  makes 

Error  a  fault,  and  truth  discourtesy. 

Why  should  I  feel  another  man's  mistakes. 

More  than  his  sicknesses  or  poverty  ? 
In  love  I  should,  but  anger  is  not  love, 
!Nor  wisdom  neither  :  therefore  gently  move. 

Calmness  is  great  advantage — he  that  lets 

Another  chafe,  may  warm  him  at  his  fire, 

Mark  all  his  wanderings,  and  enjoy  his  frets, 

As  cunning  fencers  suffer  heat  to  tire. 

Truth  dwells  not  in  the  clouds  :  the  bow  that 's  there 
Doth  often  aim  at,  never  hit  the  sphere.         Herbert. 

There  is  a  calm  the  poor  in  spirit  know, 
That  softens  sorrow,  and  that  sweetens  woe  : 
There  is  a  peace  that  dwells  within  the  breast, 
When  all  without  is  stormy  and  distrest ; 
There  is  a  light  that  gilds  the  darkest  hour, 
When  dangers  thicken,  and  when  tempests  lower  ; 
That  calm  is  faith,  and  hope  and  love  is  given ; 
That  peace  remains  when  all  beside  is  riven, 
That  light  shines  down  to  man  direct  from  heaven. 

James  Ed  m  est  on. 
The  roaring  tumult  of  the  billowed  sea 
Awakes  him  not:  high  on  the  crested  surge, 
iSTow  heaved,  his  locks  flowed  streaming  to  the  blast  : 
And  now  descending,  'tween  the  sheltering  waves. 
The  falling  tresses  veil  the  face  divine : 
Meek  through  that  veil,  a  momentary  gleam, 
Benignant  shines  ;  he  dreams  that  he  beholds 


CALM.N  99 


The  opening  eyes, — that  hopeless  long  had  rolled 

In  darkness, — look  around  Bedimmed  with  tears 

Of  joy  ;  but  suddenly  the  voice  of  fear 

Dispelled  the  happy  vision.     Aw  ml  he  rose, 

Rebuked  the  wind,  and  said  unto  the  sea. 

"Peace,  be  thou  still!"  and  Btraight  there  was  a  calm. 

With  terror-mingled  gladness  in  their  looks. 

The  mariners  exclaim — "What  man  is  this. 

That  even  the  wind  and  sea  obey  his  voice  r" 

Grahuitit. 

Earth  has  not  anything  to  show  more  fair ! 

Dull  would  he  be  of  soul  who  could  pass  by 

A  sight  so  touching  in  its  majesty  ! 
This  city  now  doth  like  a  garment  wear 
The  beauty  of  the  morning  ;  silent,  bare, 

Ships,  towers,  domes,  theatres,  and  temples  lie 

Open  unto  the  fields  and  to  the  sk}- — 
All  bright  and  glittering  in  the  smokeless  air. 
Never  did  sun  more  beautifully  steep 

In  his  first  splendour  valley,  rock,  or  hill ; 
Ne'er  saw  I,  never  felt,  a  calm  so  deep  ! 

The  river  glideth  at  its  own  sweet  will ; 
Dear  God  !  the  very  houses  seem  asleep  ; 

And  all  that  mighty  heart  is  lying  still. 

Wordsworth. 

Like  a  frail  bark  upon  an  angry  sea 

Is  man,  o'erburdened  with  a  weight  of  sin ; 

Tossed  to  and  fro,  and  like  to  perish,  he 

Seeks  how  he  best  may  'scape,  and  safety  win  : 
What  trembling  Jonah  is  it  hides  within, 

That  from  the  Lord  would  vainly  strive  to  flee  r 
Seek  till  ye  find  him,  straight  the  quest  begin ! 

And  cast  him  forth  that  ye  may  lightened  be. 

Then  with  a  prayer  approach  the  throne  of  grace, 
The  Saviour's  with  thee,  though  he  seems  to  sleep  : 

Have  ye  but  faith,  and  wait  a  little  space, 
He  will  arise,  and  say  unto  the  deep — 

"Be  still!"     The  waves  will  sink,  like  your  alarm, 

O'er  troubled  heart  and  soul  will  come  a  mighty  calm. 

Eyone. 


100  CALYABY. 


CALYAEY. 

And  when   they   were  come  to  the  place  which  is  called  Calvary, 
there  they  crucified  him. — Luke,  xxiii.  33. 

O  Calyaey  !  how  blessed  are  thy  borders, 

More  holy  than  God's  sanctuary  mount, 

Of  whose  high  praise  be  Angels  the  recorders  ; 

But  grateful  Man  thy  praises  shall  recount, 

There  Jesus  is  adored,  but  here  he  died ! 

O  Calvary  !  that  road  is  as  a  fount, 

Whence  with  a  sauguine  stream  thou  art  supplied, 

Yet  healing  as  Bethesda. —  Calvary!         J.  A.  Heraud. 

From  Calvary  a  cry  was  heard, 

A  long  reiterated  cry  ; 
My  Saviour's  every  mournful  word 

Bespeaks  thy  soul's  deep  agony. 

Let  the  dumb  world  her  silence  break ; 

Let  pealing  anthems  rend  the  sky  ! 
Awake,  my  sluggish  soul,  awake ! 

He  died,  that  we  may  never  die. 

Cunningham. 

When  on  Sinai's  top  I  see 
God  descend  in  Majesty, 
To  proclaim  His  holy  law, 
All  my  spirit  sinks  with  awe. 

When,  in  ecstacy  sublime, 
Tabor's  glorious  steep  I  climb, 
At  the  too  transporting  light, 
Darkness  rushes  o'er  my  sight. 

When  on  Calvary  I  rest, 
God,  in  flesh  made  manifest, 
Shines  in  m}'  Redeemer's  face, 
Full  of  beauty,  truth,  and  grace. 

Here  I  would  for  ever  stay, 

Weep  and  gaze  my  soul  away  ; 

Thou  art  heaven  on  earth  to  me. 

Lovely,  mournful  Calvary.  J.  Montgomery. 


CANAAN. 


101 


CANAAN. 

Axi")  I  have  also  established  my  covenant  with  them,  to  ghnethem 
tin-  land  of  Canaan,  the  land  of  their  pilgrimage,  wherein  they  were 
\  >dus,  vi.  4. 

Behold  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  I  give  unto  the  children  of  [trael 
for  a  jKissession.— Deuteroii.any.  xx\ii.  4!'. 

Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land  the  l<>t  of  your  inheritance. 

—I.  Chronicles,  xvi.  18. 

O  !  could  we  make  our  doubts  remove 

Those  gloomy  doubts  that  rise, 
And  see  the  Canaan  that  we  love, 

With  unbeclouded  eyes. 
Could  we  but  climb  where  Moses  stood, 

And  view  the  landscape  o'er ; 
Nor  Jordan's  streams,  nor  death's  cold  flood, 

Should  fright  us  from  the  shore. 


Watts. 


On  Jordan's  stormy  banks  I  stand, 

And  cast  a  wishful  eye 
To  Canaan  s  fair  and  happy  land, 

Where  my  possessions  lie. 
O  the  transporting,  rapt'rous  scene, 

That  rises  to  my  sight ! 
Sweet  fields,  arrayed  in  living  green, 

And  rivers  of  delight. 
All  o'er  those  wide  extended  plains, 

Shines  one  eternal  day ; 
There  God  the  Son  for  ever  reigns, 

And  scatters  night  away. 
When  shall  I  reach  that  happy  place, 

And  be  for  ever  blest  r 
When  shall  I  see  my  Father's  face, 

And  in  his  bosom  rest  ? 


Stennet. 


Tell  me,  where  is  the  promised  land — 

The  Canaan  of  our  earthly  hopes, 
Where  Peace  and  Joy  go  hand  in  hand, 

By  sparkling  streams,  and  flowery  slopes  ? 
It  may  be  far,  it  may  be  near, 

Oh,  Pilgrim,  faith  must  be  thy  guide 
Across  the  desert  wild  and  drear, 

And  o'er  the  Jordan's  swelling  tide.  Egone. 


102  CAPTIVITY. 


CAPTIVITY. 

BY  the  rivers  of  Babylon  there  we  sat  down,  yea,  we  wept,  when  we 
remembered  Zion. 

"We  hanged  our  harps  upon  the  willows  in  the  midst  thereof. 

For  there  they  that  carried  us  away  captive  required  of  us  a  song, 
saying,  Sing  us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion. 

How  shall  we  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land  ?— Psalm  cxxxvii. 
1,  2,  3,  4. 

The  Lord  their  G-od  shall  visit  them,  and  turn  away  their  captivity. — 
Zephaniah,  ii.  7. 

That  they  may  recover  themselves  out  of  the  snare  of  the  devil  who 
are  taken  captive  by  him  at  his  will. — II.  Timothy,  ii.  26. 

He  that  leadeth  into  captivity  shall  go  into  captivity. — Revelations, 
xiii.  10. 

We  sat  by  Babel's  waters  ;  and  our  tears 
Mingled  in  silence  with  the  silent  stream  ; 

For,  oh  !  our  hearts  went  back  to  happier  years, 
And  brighter  scenes,  that  faded  like  a  dream. 

Our  harps,  neglected,  hung  upon  the  trees, 

That  threw  their  shadows  o'er  the  wave's  dark  rest, 

And  sighed,  responsive  to  each  passing  breeze 
That  stirred  a  ripple  on  its  slumbering  breast. 

But  they  who  led  us  captive  touched  the  string, 
And  waked  its  music  with  unhallowed  hand, 

And — mocking  all  our  sadness — bade  us  sing 
The  song  of  Zion  in  a  foreign  land. 

Oh !  never,  never  ! — hushed  be  now  its  strains, 
Far,  far  away  her  exiled  children  roam  ; 

And  never  will  they  sound  on  other  plains, 
The  holy  music  of  their  native  home. 

T.  K.  Hervey. 

Thousands  of  Angels  at  Thy  gate, 

And  great  archangels  stand, 
And  twenty  thousand  chariots  wait, 

Great  Lord,  Thy  dread  command  ! 
Through  all  Thy  great,  Thy  vast  domain, 

With  Godlike  honours  clad, 
Captivity  in  captive  chains 

Triumphing  Thou  hast  led.  Mickle. 


103 


CAKE— CAREFUL. 


ash  the  cares  ol  this  world,  and  the  decetl  Iches,  and  t  lie 

Lasts  <>i'  other  things  entering  in.  choke  the  word,  and  it  becometh  un- 
fruitful.    Mark.  iv.  19. 

Thai  there  Bhoold  be  do  schism  In  the  body;  but  that  the  members 
should  have  the  same  care  one  for  another.    I.  Corinthians,  xii.  25. 

ireful  for  nothing;   bui  in  every  thing  bj   prayer  and  Buppli- 

oation    with   thanksgiving   Let  your  requests   be    made  known   unto 
God.    Philippians,  Lv.  6. 

Casting  all  your  care  upon  him;  for  he  careth  for  you.— I.  Peter, 


Esteem  none  happy  by  their  outward  air ; 
All  have  their  portion  of  allotted  care, 
Though  wisdom  wears  the  semblance  of  content, 
When  the  full  heart  with  agony  is  rent, 
Secludes  its  anguish  from  the  public  view, 
And  by  secluding,  learns  to  conquer  too; 
Denied  the  fond  indulgence  to  complain, 
The  aching  heart  its  peace  may  best  regain. 
By  love  directed,  and  in  mercy  meant, 
Are  trials  sufFer'd,  and  afflictions  sent ; 
To  stem  imperious  passion's  furious  tide, 
To  curb  the  insolence  of  prosperous  pride, 
To  wean  from  earth,  and  bid  our  wishes  soar 
To  that  blest  clime  where  pain  shall  be  no  more ; 
Where  wearied  virtue  shall  for  refuge  fly, 
And  every  tear  be  wiped  from  every  eye. 

Hannah  More. 

The  insect  that  with  puny  wing, 

Just  shoots  along  one  summer  ray  ; 
The  flow'ret,  which  the  breath  of  spring 

Wakes  into  life  for  half  a  day. 
The  smallest  mote,  the  tenderest  hair, 
All  feel  our  heavenly  Father's  care. 

E'en  from  the  glories  of  His  throne, 

He  bends  to  view  this  earthly  ball ; 
Sees  all  as  if  that  all  were  one, 

Loves  as  if  that  one  were  all ; 
Bolls  the  swift  planets  in  their  spheres, 
And  counts  the  sinner's  lonely  tears. 

Cunningham. 


104  CARE. 

Will  then  the  merciful  One,  who  stamped  our  race 
With  his  own  image,  and  who  gave  them  sway 
O'er  earth,  and  the  glad  dwellers  on  her  face, 
Now  that  our  nourishing  nations  far  away 
Are  spread,  where'er  the  moist  earth  drinks  the  day. 
Forget  the  ancient  care  that  taught  and  nursed 
His  latest  offspring?  will  he  quench  the  ray 
Infused  by  his  own  forming  smile  at  first, 
And  leave  a  work  so  fair  all  blighted  and  accursed  ? 

Oh,  no !  a  thousand  cheerful  omens  give 
Hope  of  yet  happier  days  whose  dawn  is  nigh. 
He  who  has  tamed  the  elements,  shall  not  live 
The  slave  of  his  own  passions ;  he  whose  eye 
Unwinds  the  eternal  dances  of  the  sky, 
And  in  the  abyss  of  brightness  dares  to  span 
The  sun's  broad  circle,  rising  yet  more  high, 
In  God's  magnificent  works  his  will  shall  scan — 
And  love  and  peace  shall  make  their  paradise  with  man. 

W.  C.   Bryant. 
Father  of  earth  and  heaven, 

Whose  arm  upholds  creation, 
To  thee  we  raise  the  voice  of  praise, 

And  bend  in  adoration. 
We  praise  the  Power  that  made  us, 

We  praise  the  love  that  blesses. 
While  every  day  that  rolls  away, 
Thy  gracious  care  confesses. 

Henry    Ware,  Jun. 
Faithful  servant  of  the  Lord. 
Sower  of  the  gracious  Word, 
Scattering  thy  seed  abroad, — 

Much  of  it  will  fall,  and  sink 
Where  the  cattle  come  to  drink, 
Trodden  in  the  river's  brink  ; 

Much  of  it  on  bogs  unsound, 
Much  on  hard  and  stony  ground, 
Much  where  thorns  and  briers  abound. 

In  the  path  of  daily  life 

Worldly  cares,  like  thorns,  are  rife, 

Ever  with  the  word  at  strife.  Egone. 


CHANGE.  105 


CHANGE. 

BNCAU8K  they  have  no  ehangt  ir  not  God.— F-ahu 

My  bod,  fear  thou  the  Lord  and   the  king:  and  meddle  not  with 

x.xiv.  21. 

For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not;   there!  if   Jacob  are 

not  consumed.— Malachi.  iii.  '">. 

Behold,  I  shew  you  :i  mjsterj  :  We  shall  not  all  sleep,  bnt  we  ahafl 
all  be  changed.    I.  Corinthians,  xv.  51, 


Emblem  of  life!  see  changeful  April  sail 
In  varying  vest  along  the  shadowy  skies, 
Now  bidding  summer's  stormy  zeplryrs  rise, 

Anon,  recalling  winter's  softest  gale, 

And  pouring  from  the  cloud  her  sudden  hail ; 

Then,  smiling  through  the  tear  that  dims  her  eyes, 
While  Iris  with  her  braid  the  welkin  dyes, 

Promise  of  sunshine,  not  so  prone  to  fail. 

So  to  us  sojourners  in  life's  low  vale, 
The  smiles  of  fortune  flatter  to  deceive, 
AVhile  still  the  fates  the  web  of  misery  weave ; 

So  hope  exultant  spreads  her  airy  sail, 

And  from  the  present  gloom  the  soul  conveys 
To  distant  summers,  and  far  happier  days. 

H.  K.  White. 

Still  on  its  march,  unnoticed  and  unfelt, 

Cloves  on  our  being.     We  do  live  and  breathe, 

And  we  are  gone.     The  spoiler  heeds  us  not. 

We  have  our  spring-time  and  our  rottenness ; 

And  as  we  fall,  another  race  succeeds, 

To  perish  likewise      Meanwhile  nature  smiles — 

The  seasons  run  their  round — the  sun  fulfils 

His  annual  course — and  heaven  and  earth  remain 

Still  changing,  yet  unchang'd — still  doomed  to  feel 

Endless  mutation  in  perpetual  rest.  II  K.  White. 

Not  seldom,  clad  in  radiant  vest, 

Deceitfully  goes  forth  the  morn ; 
Not  seldom,  evening  in  the  west. 

Sinks  smilingly  forsworn. 


106  CHANGE. 


The  smoothest  seas  will  sometimes  prove 

To  the  confiding  bark  untrue  ; 
And  if  she  trust  the  stars  above, 

They  can  be  treacherous  too. 
The  umbrageous  oak,  in  pomp  outspread. 

Full  oft  when  storms  the  welkin  rend, 
Draws  lightening  down  upon  the  head 

It  promised  to  defend. 
But  Thou  art  true,  incarnate  Lord ! 

Who  didst  vouchsafe  for  man  to  die  ; 
Thy  smile  is  sure,  thy  plighted  word 

No  change  can  falsify. 
I  bent  before  Thy  gracious  throne, 

And  asked  for  peace  with  suppliant  knee  ; 
And  peace  was  given, — nor  peace  alone, 

But  faith,  and  hope,  and  ecstacy  !         Wordsworth. 

Of  chance,  or  change,  O  let  not  man  complain, 
Else  shall  he  never,  never  cease  to  wail ; 

For,  from  the  imperial  dome,  to  where  the  swain 
Rears  the  lone  cottage  in  the  silent  dale, 
All  feel  the  assault  of  fortune's  fickle  gale ; 

Art,  empire,  earth  itself,  to  change  are  doomed ; 

Earthquakes  have  raised  to  heaven  the  humble  vale, 

And  gulfs  the  mountain's  mighty  mass  entombed, 

And    where  the  Atlantic  rolls,  wide   continents  have 
bloomed.  Beattie. 

The  day  was  dark  and  stormy  ;  but  the  night 

Dawns  into  brightness,  and  the  silvery  moon 
Pours  over  sea  and  land  her  urn  of  light, 

Making  of  midnight  a  most  pleasant  noon. 
The  autumn  blasts  were  withering,  and  their  blight 

Brought  desolation :  but  a  richer  boon 
The  balmy  showers  and  breathing  zephyrs  bring ; 
And  the  cold  earth,  fanned  by  the  breath  of  spring, 

Again  shall  start  into  luxuriant  life, 
Deformity  and  beauty — storm  and  calm — 
The  day-dawn  and  the  darkness — quiet  and  calm — 

Throughout  all  nature,  mix  and  mingle  rife. 
Then  why  should  man  expect  a  fixed  state, 
Where  all  is  change — or  shrink  beneath  his  fate? 

A.  Bethune. 


CHARITY.  1<»7 


CHARITY. 

Charity  suffereth  long  and  is  kind ;  charity  envieth  not ;  charity 

vauntoth  not  itself,  i-  not  puffed  up, 

Doth  not  behave  Itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  her  own,  is  not  easily 
provoked,  thinketh  no  i-vil ; 

Rejoicoth  not  in  iniquity,  bat  rejoiceth  in  the  truth: 

Beareth  all  things,  believetfa  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth 
all  things. 

And  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  charity,  these  three:  but  the  - 
of  these  is  charity.— L  Ckjrinthians,  xiii.  4.  •">.  »;.  7,  18. 

Above  all  these  tliinir-  put  on  charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  jierfect- 
i  olossians  iii.  14. 

Now  the  end  of  the  commandment  is  charity.— I.  Timothy,  i.  ">. 

Above  all  things  have  fervent  charity  among  yourselves;  for  charity 
shall  cover  the  multitude  of  sins.— I.  Peter,  iv.  B. 


Attain  the  sum 
Of  Wisdom  ;  hope  no  higher,  though  all  the  stars 
Thou  knew'st  by  name,  and  all  the  ethereal  powers, 
All  secrets  of  the  deep,  all  Nature's  works, 
Or  works  of  God  in  heaven,  air,  earth,  and  sea, 
And  all  the  riches  of  the  world  enjoyedst, 
And  all  the  rule,  one  empire ;  only  add 
Deeds  to  thy  knowledge  answerable  ;  add  faith, 
Add  virtue,  patience,  temperance  ;  add  love, 
By  name  to  some  called  charity,  the  soul 
Of  all  the  rest.  Milton. 

Did  sweeter  sounds  adorn  my  flowing  tongue 
Than  ever  man  pronounced,  or  angel  sung  ; 
Had  I  all  knowledge,  human  and  divine, 
That  thought  can  reach,  or  Science  can  define : 
And  had  I  power  to  give  that  knowledge  birth 
In  all  the  speeches  of  the  babbling  earth ; 
Did  Shadrach's  zeal  my  glowing  breast  inspire, 
To  weary  tortures,  and  rejoice  in  fire  : 
Or  had  I  faith  like  that  which  Israel  saw, 
When  Moses  gave  them  miracles  and  law  ; 
Yet  gracious  Charity,  indulgent  guest, 
Were  not  thy  pon  er  exerted  in  my  breast. 
Those  speeches  would  send  up  unheeded  prayer. 
That  scorn  of  life  would  be  but  wild  despair  ; 


108  CHARITY. 


A  tymbal's  sound  were  better  than  my  voice ; 
My  faith  were  form ;  my  eloquence  were  noise. 

gp  ^p  gp  gp  gp  ^p 

Each  other  gift,  which  God  on  man  bestows, 

Its  proper  bounds  and  due  restriction  knows, 

To  one  fixt  purpose  dedicates  its  power, 

And  finishing  its  act,  exists  no  more. 

Thus  in  obedience  to  what  heaven  decrees, 

Knowledge  shall  fail,  and  prophecy  decrease, 

But  lasting  Charity  s  more  ample  sway, 

Ne'er  bound  by  time,  nor  subject  to  decay, 

In  happy  triumph  shall  for  ever  live, 

And  endless  good  diffuse,  and  endless  praise  receive. 

Prior. 
Here  see,  acquitted  of  all  vain  pretence, 
The  reign  of  genuine  charity  commence. 
Though  scorn  repay  her  sympathetic  tears, 
She  still  is  kind  and  still  she  perseveres ; 
The  truth  she  loves  a  sightless  world  blaspheme, 
'T  is  childish  dotage,  a  delirious  dream ; 
The  danger  they  discern  not,  they  deny ; 
Laugh  at  their  only  remedy,  and  die. 
But  still  a  soul  thus  touch'd  can  never  cease, 
Whoever  threatens  war,  to  speak  of  peace. 
Pure  in  her  aim,  and  in  her  temper  mild, 
Her  wisdom  seems  the  weakness  of  a  child : 
She  makes  excuses  where  she  might  condemn, 
Reviled  by  those  that  hate  her,  prays  for  them ; 
Suspicion  lurks  not  in  her  artless  breast, 
The  worst  suggested,  she  believes  the  best ; 
Not  soon  provoked,  however  stung  and  teazed, 
And  if  perhaps  made  angry,  soon  appeased, 
She  rather  waives  than  will  dispute  her  right, 
A  ad,  injured,  makes  forgiveness  her  delight. 

Cowper. 
Man  is  dear  to  man ;  the  poorest  poor 
Long  for  some  moments  in  a  weary  life, 
When  they  can  know  and  feel  what  they  have  been ; 
Themselves  the  fathers  and  the  dealers  out 
Of  some  small  blessings,  have  been  kind  to  such 
As  needed  kindness,  for  this  single  cause 
That  we  have  all  of  us  one  human  heart. 


CHARITY.  1<K> 


Such  pleasure  is  to  one  kind  being  known, 

My  neighbour,  when  with  punctual  care,  each  week 

Duly  as  Friday  conies,  though  press'd  herself 

By  all  her  wants,  she  from  her  store  of  meal 

Takes  one  unsparing  handful  for  the  scrip 

i  )f  this  old  mendicant,  and  from  her  door 

Ueturning  with  exhilarated  heart, 

Sits  by  her  fire,  and  builds  her  hope  in  heaven. 

Wordsworth. 

Gentle  reader,  see  in  me, 

An  emblem  of  true  charity  ; 

That  while  my  bounty  I  bestow, 

I  'm  neither  heard  nor  seen  to  flow  ; 

And  I  have  fresh  supplies  from  heaven 

For  every  cup  of  water  given. 

Bishop   Hoadly,  on  a   Spring. 

Were  we  as  rich  in  charity  of  deed 
As  gold — what  rock  would  bloom  not  with  the  seed  ? 
"We  give  our  alms,  and  cry  "What  can  we  more?" 
One  hour  of  time  were  worth  a  load  of  ore ! 
Give  to  the  ignorant  our  wisdom ! — give 
Sorrow  our  comfort ! — lend  to  those  who  live 
In  crime,  the  counsels  of  our  virtue ! — share 
With  souls  our  souls,  and  Satan  shall  despair ! 
Alas !  what  converts  one  man,  who  would  take 
The  cross,  and  staff,  and  house  with  Guilt,  could  make ! 
•  #•*#« 

Search  the  material  tribes  of  earth,  sea,  air, 
And  the  fierce  Self,  which  strives  and  slays,  is  there; 
What  but  that  Self  to  man  doth  Mature  teach? 
"Where  the  charmed  link  that  binds  the  all  to  each  ? 
Where  the  sweet  law,  (doth  Nature  boast  its  birth r) 
"Good  will  to  man,  and  charity  on  earth?" 

Sir  E.  B.  Lyttua. 
What  though  to  poverty's  imploring  voice 
I  give  my  earthly  goods ;  though  to  the  pile 
I  yield  my  body,  if  thy  genuine  love 
Inspire  not,  this  alike  is  void  and  vain. 

Ihou,  mild  and  gentle  nature,  art  estranged 
From  envy,  hatred,  insolence,  or  pride ; 


110  CHARITY. 

Thou  seekest  not  thy  own,  but  others'  weal ; 
Slow  to  reprove,  but  studious  to  applaud, 
And  from  the  eyes  of  malice  to  conceal 
The  weakness  thou  lamentest  to  behold : 
For  thou  of  each  forgiv'st  and  hop'st  the  best, 
Forbearing  and  forgiving  every  ill. 

-n*  *7p  *??  w  w  TT 

The  time  shall  come  when  prophecy  itself, 

And  all  the  knowledge  which  exalts  mankind, 

Shall  lose  their  use ;  these,  while  the  state  of  man 

In  imperfection  lies,  by  Heaven  are  made 

To  compass  ends  sublime ;  but  when  that  state 

Imperfect,  for  perfection  shall  be  changed, 

Shall  fade  away,  and  boast  that  use  no  more. 

But.  subject  to  no  change,  through  endless  time 

Shall  Faith,  and  Hope,  and  Charity  endure  ; 

And  thou,  O  Charity,  of  these  the  chief, 

In  high  pre-eminence  shalt  ever  reign !     C.  P.  Layard. 

The  consciousness  of  wrong,  in  wills  not  evil 

Brings  charity.  Leigh  Hunt. 

When  prophecies  shall  fail, 
"When  tongues  shall  cease,  when  knowledge  is  no  more, 
And  the  Great  Day  is  come,  thou  by  the  throne 
Shalt  sit  triumphant.  Glynn. 

"Chief  grace  below,  and  all  in  all  above !" 
What  shall  I  call  thee  ?   Charity  or  Love  P 
Thy  name  is  bliss';  for  let  but  grace  remove 
The  Serpent,  Selfishness,  and  lo !  the  Dove, 
Cover'd  with  silver  wings,  or  plumes  of  gold,* 
Enters  the  rescued  heart,  and  keeps  her  hold : 
Then  love  to  God  on  high,  good  will  to  men, 
With  all  the  gentle  virtues  in  their  train, 
Flourish  together,  and  together  prove 
That  bliss  is  but  another  name  for  Love ! 
Blest  affluence  of  that  bright  flame  that  glows 
Amid  the  Seraphim,  "in  burning  rows," 
Fill  my  whole  soul !  since  who  has  most  of  Love, 
Knows  most  of  Heaven,  and  of  the  joys  above. 

•  Psalm  lxviii.  13.  Mary   Milner. 


CHARGE.  Ill 


CHARGE. 

Thk  Lord  spake  onto  Moeee  ami  onto  Aaron,  and  gave  them  a 
ltd  the  children  of  Esrael.     Exodus,  \i.  18. 

ill  give  lii-  angels  charge  over  thee,  t<>  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
Psalm  xii.  11. 
Who  shall  lay   any  thing    to  the  charge    i  ;.     It     i-    God 

tiiat  jnstifieth.     Romans,  viii.  33. 

A  charge  to  keep  I  have, 

A  God  to  glorify  ; 
A  never-dying  soul  to  save, 

And  fit  it  for  the  sky. 

To  serve  the  present  age, 

My  calling  to  fulfil ; — 
O  may  it  all  my  powers  engage 

To  do  my  Master's  will. 

Arm  me  with  jealous  care, 

As  in  thy  sight  to  live ; 
And  Oh  !  thy  servant  Lord  prepare, 

A  strict  account  to  give. 

Help  me  to  watch  and  pray, 

And  on  thyself  rely: 
Assured  if  I  my  trust  betray. 

i  shall  for  ever  die.  Wesley. 

Since,  with  pure  and  firm  affection, 

Thou  on  God  hast  set  thy  love, 
With  the  wings  of  His  protection, 

He  will  shield  thee  from  above  : 
Thou  shalt  call  on  Him  in  trouble, 

He  will  hearken,  He  will  save, 
Here  for  grief  reward  thee  double, 

Crown  with  life  beyond  the  grave. 

He  shall  charge  His  angel  legions 

Watch  and  ward  o'er  thee  to  keep, 
Though  thou  walk  through  hostile  regions, 

Though  in  desert  wilds  thou  sleep ; 
On  the  lion  vainly  roaring, 

On  his  young,  thy  foot  shall  tread, 
And,  the  dragon's  den  exploring, 

Thou  shalt  bruise  the  serpent's  head. 

J.  Montgomery. 


112  CHASTENING. 


CHASTENING. 

O  LORD,  rebuke  me  not   in  thine  anger,  neither  chasten  me  in  thy 
hot  displeasure.— Psalm  vi.  1. 

Blessed  is  the  man  w-iom  thou  chasten  est,  0  Lord,  and  teachest  him 
out  of  thy  law. — Psalm  xeiv.  12. 

Whom  the  Lord  loveth  lie  chastenefh,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom 
he  receiveth. — Hebrews,  xii.  6. 

O  keep  up  life  and  peace  within, 

If  I  must  feel  thy  chastening  rod ! 
Yet  kill  not  me,  but  kill  my  sin  ; 

And  let  me  know  Thou  art  m}'  God. 
O  give  my  soul  some  sweet  foretaste 
Of  that  which  I  shall  shortly  see  ! 
Let  faith  and  love  cry  to  the  last, 

"Come,  Lord,  I  trust  myself  with  Thee!" 

Baxter. 
When  urged  by  strong  temptation  to  the  brink 
Of  guilt  and  ruin,  stands  the  virtuous  mind 
With  scarce  a  step  between ;  all-pitying  Heaven, 
Severe  in  mercy,  chastening  in  its  love, 
Ofttimes  in  dark  and  awful  visitation, 
Doth  interpose,  and  call  the  wanderer  back 
To  the  straight  path,  to  be  for  ever  after 
A  firm,  undaunted,  onward-bearing  traveller, 
Strong  in  humility,  who  swerves  no  more. 

Joanna  Baillie. 

So,  Christian !  though  gloomy  and  sa  1  be  thy  days, 
And  the  tempest  of  sorrow  encompass  thee  black  ; 
Though  no  sunshine  of  promise  or  hope  sheds  its  rays 

To  illumine  and  cheer  thy  life's  desolate  track : 
Though  thy  soul  writhes  in  anguish,  and  bitter  tears 
flow 
O'er  the  wreck  of  fond  joys  from  -thy  bleeding  heart 
riven, 
Check   thy  murmuring   sorrows,    thou   lorn   one,  and 
know 
That    the    chastened   on    earth    are    the   purest    for 
Heaven ; 
And  remember,  though  gloomy  thy  present  may  be, 
That  "the  Master  is  coming,"  and  coining  to  thee. 

S.  D.  Patterson. 


CHEBLB.  113 


CHERUB— SERAPH. 

Qmi  ear,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou  that  ]  :ik.  b  flock; 

thou  that  dwell*,  st  between  the  eherwbims,  shine  forth. — Psalm  lxxx.  1. 

I  -aw  a'.-  >  the  Lord  sitting  apon  a  throne,  high  and  lifted  np 

Above  it  stood  the  seraphim* And  one  cried  unto  another,  and 

-aid.  H<>lv.  holy.  holy,  is  the  Lord  of  hosts:  the  whole  earth  is  full  of 
[saiah,  vi.  1.  •_>.  3. 

And  the  sound  of  the  chervlnmi  wings  was  heard  even  to  the  onter 
court,  as  the  voice  of  the  Almighty  God  when  he  speaketh.— Ezekiel.  x. 

Thou  shepherd  that  doth  Israel  keep, 

Give  ear  in  time  of  need, 
Who  leadeth  like  a  flock  of  sheep 

Thy  loved  of  Joseph's  seed  ; 
That  sitt'st  between  the  cherubs  bright — 

Between  their  wings  outspread, 
Shine  forth,  and  from  Thy  cloud  give  light, 

And  on  Thy  foes  Thy  dread.  Milton. 

The  Lord  descended  from  above, 

And  bowed  the  heavens  most  high  ; 
And  underneath  His  feet  He  cast 

The  darkness  of  the  sky. 
On  cherub  and  on  cherubim 

Full  royally  He  rode  ; 
And  on  the  winss  of  mighty  winds 

Came  flying  all  abroad.    "  Ster. 

High  on  a  throne  of  burnish'd  gold. 

With  rays  of  Godhead  crown'd. 
Jehovah  sat ;  His  thunders  roll'd. 

And  glory  sparkled  round. 
His  flowing  train,  of  glittering  white. 

The  spacious  temple  fill'd  ; 
The  angels,  dazzled  at  the  sight, 

With  wings  their  faces  veil'd. 
Around  the  throne,  in  burning  row, 

The  six-winged  seraphs  stood  ; 
While  millions,  flying  to  and  fro, 

Tun'd  all  their  harps  to  God. 
Thrice  holy,  holy,  Lord,  thev  cry, 

The  God  of  Sabaoth  's  Thou ; 
Thy  glory  fills  the  worlds  on  high. 

And  fills  the  world  below.  Cuwper. 


114  CHILDHOOD. 


CHILDHOOD-INFANCY. 

Verily  I  say  unto  you,  except  ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little 
children,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. — Matthew, 
xviii.  3. 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones ;  for  I  say  unto 
you.  That  in  Heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  Heaven. — Matthew,  xviii.  10. 

Have  ye  never  read,  Out  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  sucklings  thou 
hast  perfected  praise  ?— Matthew,  xxi.  16. 

And  they  brought  unto  him  also  infant*,  that  he  would  touch  them  : 
but  when  his  disciples  saw  it,  they  rebuked  them. 

But  Jesus  called  them  imto  him.  and  said.  Suffer  little  children  to 
come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.— Luke,  xviii.  15,  16. 

When  little  tripping  children  follow  God, 

And  leave  old  doting  sinners  to  his  rod, 

'T  is  like  those  days  wherein  the  young  ones  cried, 

Hosanna !  while  the  old  ones  did  deride.  Bunyan. 

At  his  first  aptness  the  maternal  love 

Those  rudiments  of  wisdom  did  improve ; 

The  tender  age  was  pliant  to  command ; 

Like  wax  it  yielded  to  the. forming  hand  : 

True  to  the  artificer,  the  laboured  mind 

With  ease  was  pious,  generous,  just,  and  kind ; 

Soft  for  impression,  from  the  first  prepared, 

Till  virtue,  with  long  exercise,  grew  hard  ; 

With  every  act  confirmed  and  made  at  last, 

So  durable  as  not  to  be  effaced, 

It  turned  to  habit;  and  from  vices  free, 

Goodness  resolved  into  necessity.  Dry  den. 

The  child  between  her  parents  knelt, 

Who  prayed  the  more  to  God  above. 
Because  so  close  to  them  they  felt 

The  dearest  gift  of  Heavenly  love. 

****** 

To  her  new  beauty  largely  given 

From  deeper  fountains,  looked  and  smiled, 

And,  like  a  morning  dream  from  heaven, 
The  woman  gleamed  within  the  child. 

John   Sterling. 


CHILDHOOD.  115 


O!  how  I  love  the  prattling  of  that  child, 

Frisking  so  blithely  in  its  nurses  hand  ! 
Fair  as  her  face  who  first  in  Eden  smiled, 

Ere  blissful  innocence  had  left  the  land! 
Thy  dimpled  cheeks  remind  me  of  a  time, 

When  first  I  ventured  on  life's  thorny  way ! 
May  no  false  joys  consume  thy  early  prime, 

No  friend  mislead  thee,  and  no  friend  betray ; 
Thy  bark,  like  mine,  is  on  a  rocky  sea ; 

For  life  'a  a  voyage  far  from  shore  to  shore, 
No  resting-place,  unless  thine  anchor  be 

The  hope  of  glory  when  the  course  is  o'er ; 
Blest  hope  for  thee,  just  entering  into  bloom, 
Thrice  blessed  hope  for  me  just  hast'ning  to  the  tomb. 

J.  ?iayne. 

"Suffer  these  little  ones  to  come  to  me," 

Was  the  command  of  Him  who,  on  the  ( 

Bowed  His  anointed  head,  and  with  His  blood 

Purchased  redemption  for  our  fallen  race — 

And  blessed  they,  who  to  that  holy  task 

Devote  the  energies  of  their  young  years, 

Teaching,  with  pious  care,  the  dawning  light 

Of  infant  intellect  to  know  the  Lord.     C.  Huntingdon. 

The  life  that  makes  the  heart  to  beat, 

The  light  that  from  the  heavens  doth  shine, 
My  daily  strength, — the  bread  I  eat, — 

All,  all,  great  Lord  of  Life,  are  thine. 
Then  let  me  seek  Thee  daily,  Lord, 

At  morn,  at  noontide,  and  at  even ; 
And  do  Thy  will,  and  know  Thy  word, 

That  I  may  be  Thy  child  in  heaven!         W.  Martin, 

I  remember,  I  remember) 

The  fir-trees  dark  and  high, 
I  used  to  think  their  tiny  tops 

"Were  close  against  the  sky  : 
It  was  a  c/iildis/i  ignorance, 

But  now  'tis  little  joy, 
To  know  I'm  farther  off  from  heaven 

Than  when  I  was  a  boy  !  T.  Hood, 


116  CHILDHOOD. 


Blessed  Jesus  ever  loved  to  trace 
The  innocent  brightness  of  an  infant's  face ; 

He  raised  them  in  His  holy  arms  ; 
He  blessed  them  from  the  world  and  all  its  harms : 

Heirs  though  they  were  of  sin  and  shame, 
He  blessed   them   in  His  own,   and  in  His    Father's 
Name.  Keble. 

Christian !  thy  dream  is  now — it  was  not  then : 

O,  it  were  strange  if  childhood  were  a  dream. 
Strife,  and  the  world,  are  dreams :  to  wakeful  men 

Childhood  and  home  as  jealous  angels  seem  : 
Like  shapes  and  hues  that  play  in  clouds  at  even, 

They  have  but  shifted  from  Thee  into  Heaven! 

F.  W.  Faber. 
Something  divine  about  an  Infant  seems 

To  them,  who  watch  it  in  that  holy  light 
Of  meaning,  caught  from  these  celestial  words 
Of  Christ — "  Forbid  them  not,  but  let  them  come." 
Fresh  buds  of  being !  beautiful  as  frail. 
Types  of  that  kingdom  which  our  souls  profess 
To  enter !     Symbols  of  that  docile  love 
And  meek  compliancy  of  creed  and  mind, 
Which  Heaven  hath  canonized,  and  for  its  own 
Acknowledged, — well  may  thoughtful  hearts  perceive 
A  mystery,  beyond  mere  nature's  law, 
Around  thern  girdled  like  a  moral  zone. 

It.  Montgomery. 

Death  found  strange  beauty  on  that  polished  brow, 

And  dashed  it  out.     There  was  a  tint  of  rose 

On  cheek  and  lip.     He  touched  the  veins  with  ice, 

And  the  rose  faded.     Forth  from  those  blue  eyes 

There  spake  a  wishful  tenderness — a  doubt 

Whether  to  grieve  or  sleep — which  innocence 

Alone  may  wear.     With  ruthless  hand  he  bound 

The  silken  fringes  of  those  curtaining  lids 

For  ever.     There  had  been  a  murmuring  sound 

With  which  the  babe  would  claim  its  mother's  ear, 

Charming  her  even  to  tears.     The  spoiler  set 

The  seal  of  silence.     But  there  beamed  a  smile 

So  fixed,  so  holy,  from  that  cherub  brow, 

Death  gazed,  and  left  it  there.     He  dared  not  steal 

The  signet-ring  of  heaven.  L.  H.  Sigourney. 


CHILDHOOD.  117 


Child,  there  is  One,  the  High  above  all  Height, 

Who  doth  not  scorn  thee — 
Ever,  from  Him,  may  beams  of  Heavenly  light 

Comfort — but  warn  thee — 
That  from  youth's  innocence  each  proud  removal 
Is  a  departure  from  His  best  approval. 

H.  H.  Weld. 

The  Lord  of  Heaven,  who,  from  his  throne  above, 
Governs  the  universe,  yet  deigns  to  hear 
The  praise  which  from  the  mouths  of  sucklings  flows, 
And  from  the  lisping  babe  ordaineth  strength. 

C.  P.  Layard. 

There  are  smiles  and  tears  in  the  mother's  eyes, 

For  her  new-born  infant  beside  her  lies. 

O,  hour  of  bliss  !  when  the  heart  o'erflows 

With  rapture  a  mother  only  knows. 

Let  it  gush  forth  in  words  of  fervent  prayer ; 

Let  it  swell  up  to  heaven  for  her  precious  care. 

Henry   Ware,  Jun. 

How  soft  and  fresh  he  breathes  ! 
Look,  he  is  dreaming !     Visions  sure  of  joy 
Are  gladdening  his  rest ;  and  ah,  who  knows 
But  waiting  angels  do  converse  in  sleep 
With  babes  like  this!  Arthur  C.  Coxe. 

Little  children,  not  alone 

On  the  wide  earth  are  ye  thrown, 

'Mid  its  labour  and  its  cares  ; 

'Mid  its  sufferings  and  its  snares, 

Free  from  sorrow,  free  from  strife, 

In  the  world  of  love  and  life, 

Where  no  sinful  thing  has  trod 

In  the  presence  of  our  God ! 

Spotless,  blameless,  glorified, 

Little  children,  ye  abide  !  Mary  Howitt. 

How  oft,  heart-sick  and  sore, 
I  've  wished  I  were,  once  more, 

A  little  child  I  Mrs.  Southey. 


118  CHKIST. 


CHEIST— CHEISTMAS. 

We  have  heard  out  of  the  law  that  Christ  abicleth  for  ever.— John, 
xii.  34. 

We  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  unto 
the  Greeks  foolishne  s  ; 

But  unto  them  which  are  called,  both  Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the 
power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God. — I.  Corinthians,  i.  23,  2\. 

We  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord.— II.  Coi  iuthians, 
iv.  5. 

Christ  is  all,  and  in  all.  —  Colossians,  iii.  11. 

For  even  hereunto  were  ye  called :  because  Christ  also  suffered  for  us, 
leaving  us  an  example,  that  ye  should  follow  His  steps  ; 

Who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  His  mouth  : 

Who,  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again ;  when  He  suffered,  He 
threatened  not :  but  committed  Himself  to  Him  that  judgeth  righteously 
—I.  Peter,  ii.  21,  22,  23. 

With  force  of  arms  we  nothing  can, 

Full  soon  were  we  down-ridden ; 
But  for  us  fights  the  proper  man, 
Whom  God  himself  hath  bidden. 
Ask  ye,  who  is  the  same  ?     Christ  Jesus  is  His  name, 
The  Lord  Zebaoth's  Son,  He,  and  no  other  one, 

Shall  conquer  in  the  battle.  Martin  Luther. 

Christ  is  a  path, — if  any  be  misled ; 

He  is  a  robe, — if  any  naked  be ; 
If  any  chance  to  hunger, — He  is  bread ; 

If  any  be  a  bondman, — He  is  free  ; 

If  any  be  but  weak, — how  strong  is  he ! 
To  dead  men  life  he  is  ;  to  sick  men  health  ; 
To  blind  men  sight ;  and  to  the  needy  wealth; 
A  pleasure  without  loss,  a  pleasure  without  stealth. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

He  that  alone  would  wise  and  mighty  be, 

Commands  that  others  love,  as  well  as  He. 

Love  as  He  loved!  how  can  we  soar  so  high? 

He  can  add  wings  when  He  commands  to  fly. 

Nor  should  we  be  with  this  command  dismayed, 

He  that  examples  gives,  will  give  His  aid ; 

For  He  took  flesh,  that  where  His  precepts  fail, 

His  practice  as  a  pattern  might  prevail.  Waller. 


CHRIST.  119 


In  what  torn  ship  soever  I  embark, 

That  ship  shall  be  an  emblem  of  Thy  ark  ; 

Whal  ir  swallow  me,  that  tlood 

Shall  be  to  mo  an  emblem  of  Thy  blood: 

Though  Thou  with  clouds  of  anger  do  disguise 

Thy  face,  yet  through  that  mask  I  know  those  eyes, 

Which,  though  they  turn  away  sometimes, 
They  never  will  despise. 
I  sacrifice  this  Island  unto  Thee, 
And  all  whom  I  loved  there,  and  who  loved  me; 
When  I  have  put  our  seas  'twixt  them  and  me, 
Put  Thou  Thy  seas  betwixt  my  sins  and  Thee: 
As  the  tree's  sap  doth  seek  the  root  below 
In  winter,  in  my  winter  now  I  go 

Where  none  but  Thee,  th'  eternal  root 

Of  true  love,  I  may  know.  Dr.  Donne. 

Without  Christ  all  gain  is  loss, 
All  hope  despair,  that  stands  not  on  his  cross  ; 
Except  the  few  his  God  may  have  impress'd, 
A  tenfold  phrenzy  seizes  all  the  rest.  Coicper. 

Father!  in  Christ  we  live,  and  Christ  in  Thee  ! 

Eternal  Thou,  and  everlasting  we. 

The  heir  of  heaven,  henceforth  I  fear  not  death  : 

In  Christ  I  live!  in  Christ  I  draw  the  breath 

Of  the  true  life !     Let  then  earth,  sea,  and  sky 

Make  war  against  me !  on  my  front  I  show 

Their  mighty  Master's  seal.     In  vain  they  try 

To  end  my  life,  that  can  but  end  its  woe. 

Is  that  a  death-bed  where  the  Christian  lies? 

Yes!  but  not  his — "t  is  death  itself  there  dies. 

8.  T.  Coleridge. 
Heaven  is  within  of  magnitude  immense ; 
No  human  thought  can  its  dimensions  grasp  ; 
Yet  heaven  has  but  one  door.     Christ  is  the  way — 
The  only  way — to  God.     Whoever  seeks 
By  other  ways  to  enter,  must,  ashamed, 
Confused,  and  disappointed,  see  too  late 
The  gates  of  hell  expanded  to  his  view ! 
No  other  name  is  published  under  heaven, 
Wherein  salvation  can  be  found,  but  His.  Anon. 


120  CHRISTMAS. 


Some  say  that  ever  'gainst  that  season  comes 

Wherein  our  Saviour's  birth  is  celebrated, 

The  bird  of  dawning  singeth  all  night  long : 

And  then  they  say  no  spirit  walks  abroad ; 

The  nights  are  wholesome ;  then  no  planets  strike  : 

No  fairy  tales ;  no  witch  has  power  to  charm ; 

So  hallowed  and  so  gracious  is  the  time ! 

Shakspere. 

Sweet  rest  ye,  happie  Christians, 

'Tis  earlie  Christmas  daye, 

When  Christ  our  Lord  and  Savioure 

Became  the  sinner's  staye. 

Arise,  and  for  such  benefits 

His  precepts  all  obeye. 

Joyful  tidings  let  us  singe, 

Christ  our  refuge,  Christ  our  kinge, 

To  hallowe  Christmas  daye. 

In  Judah's  lands,  in  Bethlehem, 
The  lovelie  babe  was  born, 
Upon  a  manger  poorlie  laid, 
On  Christmas  happie  morn. 
God  speed  ye,  merrie  gentlemen, 
And  Christian  grace  adorn. 
Joyful  tidings  let  us  singe, 
Christ  our  refuge,  Christ  our  kinge, 
To  hallowe  Christmas  morn. 

Stuart  Farquharson. 

Hark  !  what  mean  those  holy  voices, 

Sweetly  sounding  through  the  skies  ? 
Lo  !  the  angelic  host  rejoices  ; 

Heavenly  hallelujahs  rise. 
Listen  to  the  wondrous  story, 

Which  they  chant  in  hymns  of  joy: — 
"Glory  in  the  highest,  glory! 

Glory  be  to  God  most  high ! 
Christ  is  born,  the  Great  Anointed, 

Heaven  and  earth  His  praises  sing ; 
O  receive  whom  God  appointed, 

For  your  Prophet,  Priest,  and  Xing!" 

Cawood. 


CHRISTIANITY.  121 


CHRISTIANITY. 

AND  the  disciples  were  called  christians  first   in  Antioch. — Act-.  \; 
M. 

Stand  fast,  therefore,  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  hath  made  us 
free. — Galatians,  v.  1. 

Walk  worthv  of  the  vocation  wherewith  ve  are  called—  Bpl 
iv.  1. 

Yet  if  any  man  suffer  as  a  christian,  let  him  not  be  ashamed :  but 
1st  him  glorify  God  on  this  behalf.— I.  Peter,  iv.   It!. 

But  for  that  contention  and  brave  strife 
The  Christian  hath  to  enjoy,  the  future  life, 
He  were  the  wretchedest  of  the  race  of  men  ; 
But  as  he  soars  at  that,  he  bruiseth  then 
The  serpent's  head;  gets  above  death  and  sin, 
And,  sure  of  Heaven,  rides  triumphing  in. 

Ben  Jonson. 

All  faiths  beside,  or  did  by  arms  ascend ; 
Or  sense  indulged  has  made  mankind  their  friend : 
This  only  doctrine  does  our  lusts  oppose  ; 
Unfed  by  nature's  soil  in  which  it  grows ; 
Cross  to  our  interests,  curbing  sense  and  sin  ; 
Oppressed  without  and  undermined  within, 
It  thrives  through  pain,  its  own  tormentors  tires  ; 
And  with  a  stubborn  patience  still  aspires. 
To  what  can  reason  such  effects  assign, 
Transcending  nature,  but  to  laws  divine. 
Which  in  that  sacred  volume  are  contained, 
Sufficient,  clear,  and  for  that  use  ordained  ? 

Dry  den. 
Well  hast  thou  fought 
The  better  fight,  who,  singly,  hast  maintained 
Against  revolted  multitudes  tile  cause 
Of  truth,  in  word  mightier  than  they  in  arms  ; 
And  for  the  testimony  of  truth  hast' borne 
Universal  reproach,  far  worse  to  bear 
Than  violence.  Milton. 

A  Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man ; 

And  is  there  who  the  blessed  cross  wipes  of 

As  a  foul  blot  from  his  dishonour'd  brow  ? — 

If  angels  tremble,  'tis  at  such  a  sight.  Young. 


122  CHRISTIANITY. 


O  Antioch,  thou  teacher  of  the  world ! — 

From  out  thy  portals  passed  the  feet  of  those, 

Who,  banished  and  despised,  have  made  thy  name 

The  next  in  rank  to  proud  Jerusalem. 

Within  thy  gates  the  persecuted  few, 

Who  dared  to  rally  round  the  Holy  Cross, 

And  worship  Him  whose  sacred  form  it  bore, 

Were  first  called  Christians.     In  thy  sad  conceit, 

Thou  mad'st  a  stigma  of  reproach  and  shame, 

This  noblest  title  of  the  sons  of  earth  : 

While,  save  for  this,  thy  name  were  scarcely  known, 

Except  among  the  mouldering  vestiges 

Of  dim  antiquity.     So  doth  our  God 

Make  all  men's  folly  ever  praise  His  name. 

J.  L.  Chester. 

To  be  an  humble  follower  of  Him, 

Who  left  the  bliss  of  Heaven,  to  be  for  us 

A  man  on  earth  in  spotless  virtue  living 

As  man  ne'er  lived ;  such  words  of  comfort  speaking, 

To  raise,  and  elevate,  and  cheer  the  heart, 

As  man  ne'er  spake  ;  and  suffering  poverty, 

Contempt,  and  wrong,  and  pain,  and  death  itself, 

As  man  ne'er  suffered.  Joanna  Baillie. 

The  Christian  s  faith  had  many  mysteries  too. 
The  uncreated  Holy  Three  in  One ; 
Divine  Incarnate,  Human  in  Divine ; 
The  inward  call ;  the  Sanctifying  Dew  ; 
Coming  unseen,  unseen  departing  thence  ; 
Anew  creating  all,  and  yet  not  heard  ; 
Compelling,  yet  not  felt : — mysterious  these  ; 
Not  that  Jehovah  to  conceal  them  wished ; 
Not  that  Religion  wished.     The  Christian  faith, 
Unlike  the  timorous  creeds  of  Pagan  priest, 
Was  frank,  stood  forth  to  view,  invited  all 
To  prove,  examine,  search,  investigate, 
And  gave  herself  a  light  to  see  her  by. 
Mysterious  these — because  too  large  for  eye 
Of  man,  too  long  for  human  arm  to  mete. 

Pollok. 


CHURCH.  123 


CHURCH. 

Whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  BhaJ]  be  bound  in  Heaven  : 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalr  loose  on  earth  .-hall  bo  loosed  In  Hei 
Matthew,  xvi.  19. 

Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. — Matthew, 
xxviii.  29, 

So  were  the  churches  established  in  the  faith, and  increased  in  number 
daily.— Acts,  xvi.  :>. 

And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first,  apostles,  secondarily, 
prophets,  thirdly,  teachers.— I.  Corinthians,  xii.  28. 

And  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head 
over  all  things  to  the  church, 

Which  is  his  body,  the  fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all.— Ephesians, 
L  22,  23. 

Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and  gave  himself  for  it.— Ephesians, 
v.  25. 

That  thou  mayest  know  how  thou  oughtest  to  behave  thyself  in  the 
house  of  God,  which  is  the  church  of  the  living  God,  the  pillar  and 
ground  of  the  truth. — I.  Timothy,  hi.  15. 

Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of 
some  is. — Hebrews,  x.  25. 


The  solemn  scene 
The  sun,  through  storied  panes,  surveys  with  awe, 
And  bashfully  withholds  each  bolder  beam.  Smart. 

Think,  when  the  bells  do  chime, 
'Tis  angels'  music  ;  therefore  come  not  late. 
God  then  deals  blessings  :  if  a  king  did  so, 
Who  would  not  haste,  nay  give,  to  see  the  show  ? 

When  once  thy  foot  enters  the  church,  be  bare. 
God  is  more  there  than  thou :  for  thou  art  there 
Only  by  His  permission.     Then  beware  ; 
And  make  thyself  all  reverence  and  fear. 

Kneeling  ne'er  spoil'd  silk  stocking.     Quit  thy  state. 

All  equal  are  within  the  church's  gate. 

Resort  to  sermons,  but  to  prayers  most : 
Praying  's  the  end  of  preaching.     0  be  drest ; 
Stay  not  for  the  other  pin  :  why  thou  hast  lost 
A  joy  for  it  worth  worlds.     Thus  hell  doth  jest 
Away  thy  blessings,  and  extremely  flout  thee, 
Thy  clothes  being  fast,  but  thy  soul  loose  about  thee. 


124  CHURCH. 


In  time  of  service  seal  up  both  thine  eyes, 
And  send  them  to  thy  heart ;  that  spying  sin, 
They  may  weep  out  the  stains  by  them  did  rise : 
Those  doors  being  shut,  all  by  the  ear  comes  in. 

Who  marks  in  church-time  others'  symmetry, 

Makes  all  their  beauty  his  deformity. 

Let  vain  or  busy  thoughts  have  there  no  part ; 
Bring  not  thy  plots,  thy  plough,  thy  pleasure  thither. 
Christ  purged  His  temple — so  must  thou  thy  heart. 
All  worldly  thoughts  are  but  thieves  met  together 

To  cozen  thee.     Look  to  thy  actions  well, 

For  churches  either  are  our  heaven  or  hell. 

George  Herbert. 
Dear  is  the  ancient  village  church,  which  rears 

By  the  lone  yew,  or  lime,  or  elm-girt  mound, 

Its  modest  fabric  :  clear,  and  pleasant  sound 
Of  bells,  the  grey  embattled  tower  that  wears 
Of  changeful  hue  the  marks  of  bye-gone  years, 

Buttress,  and  porch,  and  arch  with  mazy  round 

Of  curious  feet  or  shapes  fantastic  crown'd ; 
Tall  pinnacles  and  mingled  window  tiers, 
Norman,  or  misnamed  Gothic.     Fairer  spot 
Thou  givest  not,  England,  to  the  tasteful  eye, 
Nor  to  the  heart  more  soothing.     Blest  their  lot ! 

Know  they  their  bliss,  who  own  their  duelling  nigh 
Such  resting-place  ;  there  by  the  world  forgot, 

In  life  to  worship,  and  when  dead  to  lie ! 

Bishop  Mant. 
Some  there  are 

Who  hold  it  meet  to  linger  now  at  home, 

And  some  o'er  fields  and  the  wide  hills  to  roam, 
And  worship  in  the  temple  of  the  air ! 
For  me,  not  heedless  of  the  lone  address, 

Nor  slack  to  meet  my  Maker  on  the  height, 
By  wood,  or  living  stream  ;  yet  not  the  less 

Seek  I  His  presence  in  each  social  rite 
Of  His  own  temple  :  that  He  deigns  to  bless, 

There  still  He  dwells,  and  that  is  His  delight. 

Bishop  Mant. 
I  love  to  hear  the  sound  of  holy  bell, 
And  peaceful  men,  their  praises  lift  to  Heaven. 

Joanna  Baillie. 


CHUBCH.  125 


Clad  in  a  robe  of  pure  and  spotless  white, 

The  youthful  bride,  with  timid  steps,  comes  forth 
To  greet  the  hand  to  which  she  plights  her  troth, 

Her  soft  eyes  radiant  with  a  strange  delight. 

The  snowy  veil  which  circles  her  around, 

Shades  the  sweet  face  from  every  gazer's  eye. 
And  thus  enwrapt,  she  passes  calmly  by — 

Nor  casts  a  look,  but  on  the  unconscious  ground. 

So  should  the  Church,  the  bride  elect  of  Heaven, — 
"Remembering  whom  she  goeth  forth  to  meet, 
And  with  a  truth  that  cannot  brook  deceit, 

Holding  the  faith  which  unto  her  is  given — 

Pass  through  this  world,  which   claims    her    for    a 

while, 
Nor  cast  about  her  longing  look  nor  smile. 

Mrs.  Neal. 

Thy  best  type,  Desire 
Of  the  sad  heart, — the  Heaven-ascending  spire ! 

Sir  E.  B.  Lytton. 

To  Thee  the  churches  here  rejoice, 

The  solemn  organs  aid  the  voice ; 

To  sacred  roofs  the  sound  we  raise, 

The  sacred  roofs  re-sound  Thy  praise ; 

And  while  our  notes  in  one  agree, 

Oh!  bless  the  church  that  sings  to  Thee  !  Parnell. 


The  Church  of  Christ,  the  school  of  grace, 

The  Spirit  teaching  by  the  Word  ; 
In  these  our  Saviour's  steps  we  trace, 

By  this  His  living  voice  is  heard.        J.  Montgomery. 

So  shall  her  holy  bounds  increase, 
With  walls  of  praise  and  gates  of  peace ; 
So  shall  the  Vine  which  martyr  tears 
And  blood  sustained,  in  other  years, 

With  fresher  life  be  clothed  upon ; 
And  to  the  world  in  beauty  show 
Like  the  rose-plant  of  Jericho, 

And  glorious  as  Lebanon.  J.  G.  Whit  tier. 


126 


CHUECH. 


O,  prayer  is  good  when  many  pour 
Their  voices  in  one  solemn  tone ; 
Conning  their  sacred  lessons  o'er, 

Or  yeilding  thanks  for  mercies  shown. 
'T  is  good  to  see  the  quiet  train 

Forget  their  worldly  joy  and  care, 

While  loud  response,  and  choral  strain, 

Ee-echo  in  the  House  of  Prayer. 

Eliza  Cook. 
There  is  a  Presence  spiritually  vast 
Around  Thy  Church,  arisen  Saviour  !  cast ; 
A  holy  effluence,  an  unspoken  awe, 
A  sanctity  which  carnal  eye  ne'er  saw, — 
A  pure,  impalpable,  almighty  sense 
Of  peace,  by  reconciled  Omnipotence, — 
That  hallows,  haunts,  and  makes  a  Christian  mind 
E/ich  in  all  grace,  celestially  refined : 
Mere  Nature's  worshippers  can  never  feel 
The  fulness  of  that  high  seraphic  zeal 
Which  veileth  all  things  with  religious  light, 
And  works  unwearied  in  Jehovah's  sight ; 
Thought,  dream,  and  action,  ev'ry  pulse  of  soul 
The  awe  of  Christ  will  solemnly  control : 
Girt  by  the  Spirit,  wheresoe'er  they  rove, 
True  faith  is  feeding  on  His  breath  of  love. 

R.  Montgomery . 
How  sweetly  wide  this  Sabbath  morn 

The  chime  of  village  bells  is  sent 
O'er  the  hamlets,  o'er  the  fields, 
With  Sabbath  sunshine  blent. 
The  noble  hears  and  quits  his  hall — 

The  peasant  quits  his  cottage-home ; 
All  cheerfully,  all  pleasantly, 
To  church  the  people  come. 
They  come  from  far-off  heathy  moors, 
From  lonely  farms,  from  quiet  dells, 
Led  strongly,  irresistibly, 

By  the  sweet  chime  of  Sabbath  bells. 
Across  the  fields,  across  the  green, 

From  shades  emerge  they  to  the  light ; 
And  seen  in  groups,  or  singly  seen, 

It  is  a  charming  sight.  Richard  Hoivitt. 


CITY. 


127 


CITT. 

!.  for  situation,  the  joy  a!  I  i"th,  is  mount  Ziou, 

m  xlviii.  •_'. 

Lord  keep  the  city,  the  watchman  waketh  hut  in  vaiu. 
—Psalm  exxvii.  1. 
Thou  shalt  be  called  The  city  of  righteousness :  the  faithful  city.— 

How  doth  the  city  sit  solitary  that  was  full  of  people!     All  her  gates 
.1.4. 

be  looked  for  a  citf  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
-  God.— Hebrews,  xi.  10. 
And  the  citu  had  no  need  of  the  sun.  neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine 
in  ft;  for  1  did  tighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the  light 

- 


"Where  are  the  cities  which  of  old  in  mighty  grandeur 

rose ! 
Amid  the  desert's  burning  sands,  or  girt  with  frozen 

snows ; 
Is  there  no  vestige  now  remains  their  wondrous  tale 

to  tell, 
Of  how  they  blazed,  like  meteor-stars,  and  how,  like 

them,  they  fell  ? 
Hark !   hark !    the  voice  of  prophecy   comes   o'er  the 

desert  wide, 
Come  down,  come  down,  and   in  the  dust  thy  virgin 

beauties  hide  : 
Oh  "Daughter  of  Chaldea,"  thou  no  more  enthroned 

shall  be, 
For  the  desert  and   the  wilderness  alone  shall  tell  of 

thee. 
Thouuh   old   Euphrates   still   rolls   in   his   everlasting 

stream, 
Thy  brazen  gates   and  golden   halls,  as    though   they 

ne'er  had  been ; 
Where    stood    thy    massy    tower-crowned   walls,    and 

palaces  of  pride, 
The  dragon  and  the  wild  beast  now  therein  securely 

hide. 
The  "besom  of  destruction"  o'er  thee  hath  swept  its 

way 
In    wrath,    because    thine    impious    hand    on    God's 

Anointed  lay.  H.  Brownlee. 


128  CITY. 

This  is  the  city  John  did  once  discern 

Descend  from  heaven  apocalyptical, 

Whereof  "his  thoughts  do  breathe,  his  words  do  burn." 

Beautiful  city  !  Mother  of  us  all ! 

Vision  of  Peace  !  white  bride  of  Deity  ! 

Whose  Glory  clothes  thine  apostolic  walls ! 

Angels  thy  gates  encompass  lovingly, 

Equal  in  all  dimensions  as  beseems, 

And  like  an  angel's  thy  capacity. 

Death  is  not  in  thee,  nor  the  fierce  extremes 

Of  pain  or  sorrow,  nor  anxiety. 

Here  evil  comes  not,  neither  evil  dreams ; 

No  temple  hast  thou,  for  the  Lord  Most  High 

Thy  temple  is.     No  sun  thou  hast,  nor  moon, 

His  Glory  is  thy  light  eternally. 

Lo  !  every  nation  brings  to  thee  a  boon ; 

Thy  gates  shall  not  be  shut  at  all  by  day, 

Nor  night  be  thine,  land  of  perpetual  noon  ; 

The  kings  of  earth  to  thee  their  homage  pay. 

But  no  defiled  thiug  shall  enter  thee, 

Loving  a  lie,  or  tempting  to  betray.  J.  A.  Heraud. 


Jehovah  is  great,  and  great  be  his  praise  ; 

In  the  city  of  God  He  is  King ; 
Proclaim  ye  his  triumphs  in  jubilant  lays, 

On  the  mount  of  his  holiness  sing. 

The  joy  of  the  earth,  from  her  beautiful  height, 

Is  Zion's  impregnable  hill ; 
The  Lord  in  her  temple  still  taketh  delight, 

God  reigns  in  her  palaces  still. 

Go  walk  about  Zion,  and  measure  the  length, 
Her  walls  and  her  bulwarks  mark  well ; 

Contemplate  her  palaces,  glorious  in  strength, 
Her  towers  and  her  pinnacles  tell. 

Then  say  to  your  children  : — Our  stronghold  is  tried  ; 

This  God  is  our  God  to  the  end ; 
His  people  for  ever  his  counsel  shall  guide  ; 

His  arm  shall  for  ever  defend.  J.  Montgomery. 


129- 


CLOTHES. 


;  hi;n  all  the  princes  of  the  sea  Bhall  come  down  from  their  thrones, 
and  lav  away  tluir  robes,  and  put  ofi  their  broidered  garments:  the; 
shall  clothe  themselves  with  trembling.     K/.ekiel,  xxvi.  16. 

Take  no  thought,  Baying,  What  Bhall  we  eat}  or,  What  shall  we 
drink?  or,  Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed'  for  your  heavenly  Path  • 
knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things.     Matthew,  vi.  SI,  S'.'. 

For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened  :  not 
for  that  we  would  be  unclothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality 
might  be  swallowed  up  of  life.     11.  Corinthians,  v.  4. 

If  there  come  unto  your  assembly  a  man  with  a  gold  ring,  in  goodly 
apparel,  and  there  come  in  also  a  poor  man  in  vile  raiment : 

And  ye  have  respect  to  him  that  weareth  the  gay  clothing,  and  sa\ 
unto  him.  Sit  thou  here  in  a  good  place;  and  say  to  the  poor.  Stand 
thou  there,  or  sit  here  under  my  footstool : 

Are  ye  not  then  partial  in  yourselves,  and  are  become  judges  of  evil 
thoughts?    James,  ii.  '-'.  3,  4. 

If  thou  beest  he  ;  but  O  how  fall'n !  how  changed 
From  him  who  in  the  happy  realms  of  light, 
Clothed  with  transcendent  brightness,  did'st  outshine 
Myriads,  though  bright !  Milto  n . 

The  golden  palace  of  my  God, 

Towering  above  the  clouds  I  see  ; 
Beyond  the  cherub's  bright  abode, 

Higher  than  angels'  thoughts  can  be  ! 
How  can  I  in  those  courts  appear 

Without  a  wedding  garment  on  ? 
Conduct  me,  Thou  life-giver,  there, 

Conduct  me  to  thy  glorious  throne ! 
And  clothe  me  with  thy  robes  of  light, 
And  lead  me  through  sin's  darksome  night. 

Bowring,  from  the  Russian 

All  clothed  with  majesty  and  power, 

The  Lord  of  glory  and  of  might, 
He  comes,  who  can  abide  the  hour? 

Who  can  behold  the  dreadful  sight? 
He,  even  he,  who  hath  put  on 

The  spotless  robe  of  righteousness, 
Washed  in  the  blood  of  God's  dear  Son  : 

Thus  clothed,  the  ransomed  soul  may  pres3 
Into  the  presence  bright  with  songs  of  thankfulness. 
*  k  Egone^ 


130 


CLOUDS. 


BEHOLD,  God  is  great,  and  we  know  him  not,  neither  can  the 
number  of  His  years  be  searched  out. 

For  He  maketh  small  the  drops  of  water:  they  pom-  down  rain 
according  to  the  vapour  thereof ; 

"Which  the  clouds  do  drop  and  distil  upon  man  abundantly. 

With  clouds  He  covereth  the  light ;  and  commandeth  it  not  to 
shine  by  the  cloud  that  cometh  betwixt.— Job,  xxxvi.  26,  27,  28.  32. 

Who  maketh  the  clouds  His  chariot ;  who  walketh  upon  the  wing? 
of  the  wind. — Psalm  civ.  3. 

While  they  beheld,  He  was  taken  up;  and  a  cloud  received  Him 
out  of  their  sight.— Acts,  i.  9. 

Behold  He  cometh  with  clouds;  and  every  eye  shall  see  Him.— 
Revelation,  i.  7. 

A  cloud  lay  cradled  near  the  setting  sun, 

A  gleam  of  crimson  tinged  its  braided  snow, 
Long  had  I  watch'd  the  glory  moving  on, 
O'er  the  still  radiance  of  the  lake  below  : 
Tranquil  its  spirit  seem'd,  and  floated  slow, 
Even  in  its  very  motion  there  was  rest, 

While  every  breath  of  eve  that  chanced  to  blow, 
Wafted  the  traveller  to  the  beauteous  west. 

Emblem,  methought,  of  the  departed  soul, 
To  whose  white  robe  the  gleam  of  bliss  is  given, 

And  by  the  breath  of  mercy  made  to  roll 
Right  onward  to  the  golden  gates  of  heaven, 
Where  to  the  eye  of  faith  it  peaceful  lies, 
And  tells  to  man  his  glorious  destinies. 

J.    Wilson. 
See'st  yon  light  cloud  the  wind  is  hurrying  by  ? 

The  eagle  's  scarce  more  rapid  in  his  flight, 
'T  is  thus  the  years  of  youth, — hope — rapture  fly, 

Clad  in  attractive  hues  and  robes  of  light, 
Swiftly  they  fly,  but  ah!  a  weary  night 

Their  reign  succeeds — a  more  than  midnight  gloom, 
That  gives  no  peace  to  morn's  uprising  bright, 

Nor  bids  sweet  Hope  her  wonted  smile  resume. 
Ah  !  yes ;  though  dark  our  night  and  drear  the  tomb, 

Through  its  long  vista,  lo !  the  glorious  star, 
Whose  rays  from  heaven's  bright  vestibule  illume 
Death's  deepest  vaults  with  radiance  from  afar, 
Sun  of  immortal  day!  victorious  faith 
Eyes  thy  uprising  blaze,  and  triumphs  over  death. 


CLOUDS.  131 


I  asked  the  clouds,  in  their  pomp  of  lii^lit. 
As  they  sat  in  the  crimson  west  at  night, 
"Wherefore  they  gathered  around  the  sun. 
And  brightened  although  his  race  was  run; 
When,  perhaps,  the  breezes  of  night  might  strew 
Their  fragile  folds  into  mist  and  dew  ? 
The  clouds  replied,  "Though  we  should  be  driven 
Away  from  our  rest,  we  shall  still  be  in  heaven." 

M.  A.  Browne. 

When  gathering  chads  around  I  view, 
And  days  are  dark,  and  friends  are  few  ; 
On  Him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain 
Experienced  every  human  pain  : 
He  sees  my  wants,  allays  my  fears. 
And  counts  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 

And,  oh!  when  I  have  safely  past 

Through  every  conflict — but  the  last ; 

Still,  still  unchanging,  watch  beside 

My  dying  bed, — for  thou  hast  died. 

Then  point  to  realms  of  cloudless  day, 

And  wipe  the  latest  tear  away.  Grant. 

See  where  yonder  cloudlet  lingers 

On  the  tranquil  verge  of  day ; 
The  golden  sunset  with  its  fingers, 

GiTds  it  with  its  burnished  ray ; 
Swiftly,  calmly,  on  it  glides, 

Mingling,  melting,  into  air, 
Fainter,  fainter — now  it  hides 

In  the  bosom  of  its  lair. 

So  I  've  seen  the  gentle  spirit 

Linger  as  it  pass'd  away, 
Softly,  brightly  glowing,  ere  it 

Faded  in  eternal  day. 
Glowing  with  the  light  of  Heaven — 

Light  of  God's  eternal  love  : — 
Like  the  cloudlet  of  the  even, 

So  it  pass'd  to  realms  above.        Rev.  E.  Case. 


132  COMFORT. 


COMFORT. 

Yea.  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I 
will  fear  no  evil :  for  Thou  art  with  me  :  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they 
comfort  me. — Psalm  xxiii.  4. 

This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction  :  for  thy  word  hath  quickened 
me. — Psalm  cxix.  50. 

Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith  your  God.— Isaiah,  xl.  1. 

I,  even  I,  am  He  that  comforteth  you  :  who  art  thou,  that  thou 
shouldest  be  afraid  of  a  man  that  shall  die,  and  of  the  Son  of  Man 
which  shall  be  made  as  grass;  and  forgettest  the  Lord  thy  Maker.— 
Isaiah,  li.  12,  13. 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me;  because  the  Lord  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek ;  he  hath  sent  me 
to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives, 
and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound; 

To  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  and  the  day  of  vengeance 
of  our  God;  to  comfort  all  that  mourn. — Isaiah,  lxi.  1,  2. 

Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father 
of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort; 

Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to 
comfort  them  which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we 
ourselves  are  comforted  of  God. — II.  Corinthians,  i.  3,  4. 

Theke  is  a  haven  yet  to  rest  my  soul  on. 

In  midst  of  all  unhappiness,  which  I  look  on 

With  the  same  cowfort  as  a  distressed  seaman 

Afar  off  views  the  coast  he  would  enjoy, 

When  yet  the  seas  do  toss  his  reeling  barque, 

'Twixt  hope  and  danger.  Shirley. 

In  the  hour  of  my  distress, 
When  temptations  me  oppress, 
And  when  I  my  sins  confess, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me! 

When  I  lie  within  my  bed, 
Sick  in  heart  and  sick  in  head, 
And  with  doubts  discomforted, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me  ! 

When  the  house  doth  sigh  and  weep, 
And  the  world  is  drowned  in  sleep, 
Yet  mine  eyes  the  watch  do  keep, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me  ! 


COMFORT. 


133 


When  the  priest  his  last  hath  prayed, 
And  I  nod  to  what  is  said, 
Cause  my  speech  is  now  decayed, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me  ! 

When  the  judgment  is  revealed, 
And  that  open  which  was  sealed, 
When  to  thee  I  have  appealed, 

Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me !        Robert  Herrick. 


The  voice  which  I  did  more  esteem 

Than  music  in  her  sweetest  key  ; 

Those  eyes  which  unto  me  did  seem 

More  comfortable  than  the  day ! 
Those  now  by  me,  as  they  have  been, 
Shall  never  more  be  heard  or  seen  ; 
But  what  I  once  enjoyed  in  them, 
Shall  seem  hereafter  as  a  dream. 

All  earthly  comforts  vanish  thus  ; 

So  little  hold  of  them  have  we, 
That  we  from  them,  or  they  from  us, 

May  in  a  moment  ravished  be. 
Yet  we  are  neither  just  nor  wise, 
If  present  mercies  we  despise ; 
Or  mind  not  how  there  may  be  made 
A  thankful  use  of  what  we  had. 


Wither. 


Beside  the  bed  where  parting  life  was  laid, 
And  sorrow,  guilt,  and  pain  by  turns  dismay 'd, 
The  reverend  champion  stood.     At  his  control, 
Despair  and  anguish  fled  the  struggling  soul : 
Comfort  came  down,  the  trembling  wretch  to  raise, 
And  his  last,  faltering  accents  whisper'd  praise. 

Goldsmith. 

Comfort,  ye  ministers  of  grace, 

Comfort  my  people,  saith  your  God ! 

Ye  soon  shall  see  his  smiling  face, 
His  golden  sceptre,  not  his  rod  ; 

And  own,  when  now  the  cloud's  removed, 

He  only  chasten'd  whom  he  loved. 


134  COMFOET. 


Who  sow  in  tears,  in  joy  shall  reap, 
The  Lord  shall  comfort  all  that  mourn, 

Who  now  go  on  their  way  and  weep, 
With  joy  they  doubtless  shall  return, 

And  bring  their  sheaves  with  vast  increase, 

And  have  their  fruit  to  holiness.  Wesley. 

They  sank  amid  the  wilderness, 

The  weary  and  forsaken  ; 
She  gave  the  boy  one  faint  caress, 

And  prayed  it  might  not  waken. 

Far,  far  away  the  desert  spread : 

Ah!  love  is  fain  to  cherish 
The  vainest  hopes,  but  now  she  said. 

"Let  me  not  see  him  perish." 

Then  spoke  the  Lord,  and  at  his  word 

Sprang  forth  a  little  fountain, 
Pure,  cold  as  those  whose  crystal  hoard 

Is  in  some  pine-clad  mountain. 

O  blessed  God !  thus  doth  thy  power, 

When,  worn  and  broken-hearted, 
We  sink  beneath  some  evil  hour, 

And  deem  all  hope  departed. 

Then  doth  the  fountain  of  thy  grace 

Rise  up  within  the  spirit, 
And  we  are  strengthened  for  that  race, 

Whose  prize  we  shall  inherit. 

When  least  we  hope,  our  prayer  is  heard, 

The  judgment  is  averted, 
And  comes  the  comfort  of  thy  word, 

When  most  we  seem  deserted. 

Miss  Landon. 

On  wings  of  everlasting  love 

The  Comforter  is  come  ; 
All  terrors  at  his  voice  disperse, 

And  endless  pleasures  bloom.  Doddridge. 


COMMAND.  135 


COMMAND— COMMANDMENT. 

MOBBS  went  up  unto  mount  Sinai,  aa  the  Lord  bad  command  dhim, 
and  took  in  his  band  the  two  tables  of  sto 

And  he  wrote  npon  the  tables  the  word-  of  the  covenant,  the  ton 
comma  i 

Jesus  b  i  i.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 

with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

This  i>  tin-  first  and  great  commandment. 

And  the  Becond  i-  like  unto  it,  Thou   shalt    love   thy  neighbour  as 

On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets. 
—Matthew,  nrii.  :;7.  38,  39,  40. 

How,  in  one  house, 
should  many  people,  under  two  commands 
Hold  amity  P  ShaTcspere. 

Whatever  hypocrites  austerely  talk 

Of  purity,  and  place,  and  innocence, 

Reforming  as  impure  what  God  declares 

Pure,  and  com  mauds  to  some,  leaves  free  to  all 

Our  Maker  bids  increase  ;  who  bids  abstain 

But  our  destroyer,  foe  to  God  and  man.  Milton. 

Heralds  of  creation  cry, 
— Praise  the  Lord,  the  Lord  most  high  ; 
Heaven  and  earth,  obey  the  call, 
Praise  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  all.    . 

For  He  spake,  and  forth  from  night 

Sprang  the  universe  to  light ; 

He  commanded, — Nature  heard, 

And  stood  fast  upon  his  word.  J.  Montgomery . 


What  is  the  first  and  great  command? — 

To  love  thy  God  above  : 
And  what  the  second? — As  thyself 

Thy  neighbour  thou  shalt  love  : 
Who  is  my  neighbour  ? — He  who  wants 

The  help  that  thou  canst  give  : 
Jesus,  our  blessed  Saviour,  said — 

This  do,  and  thou  shalt  live.  Anon, 


136  COMPASSION. 


COMPASSION. 

THOU  O  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gracious,  long-suf- 
fering, and  plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth.— Psalm  lxxxvi.  15. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed,  because  hi- 
compassions  fail  not. — Laruentatkms,  iii.  22. 

Have  coriipassion  on  us.  and  help  us.— Mark,  ix.  22. 

Ye  had  compassion  of  me  in  my  bonds. — Hebrews,  x.  84. 

Be  ve  all  of  one  mind,  haying  compassion  one  of  another. — I.  Peter, 
iii.  8.* 

Jesus,  the  friend  of  human  kind. 

With  strong  compassion  moved, 
Descended,  like  a  pitying  God, 

To  save  the  souls  he  loved. 

Exalted  high  at  God's  right  hand, 

And  Lord  of  all  below, 
Through  him  is  pardoning  love  dispensed, 

And  boundless  blessings  flow. 

And  still,  for  erring,  guilty  man, 

A  brother's  pity  flows ; 
And  still  his  bleeding  heart  is  touched 

With  memory  of  our  woes.  BarbjuhL 

The  light  of  love  and  glory 

Has  shone  through  Christ  the  Saviour, 

The  holy  Guide,  who  lived  and  died. 
That  we  might  live  for  ever. 

And  since  thy  great  compassion 

Thus  brings  thy  children  near  thee, 

May  we  to  praise  devote  our  days, 
And  love  as  well  as  fear  thee. 

Henry    Ware,  Jun. 

Lord,  what  offerings  shall  we   bring, 

At  thine  altars  when  we  bow  ? 
Hearts,  the  pure  unsullied  spring, 

Whence  the  kind  affections  flow  : 
Soft  compassion  s  feeling  soul, 

By  the  melting  eye  exprest. 
Sympathy,  at  whose  control 

Sorrow  leaves  the  wounded  breast. 

John  Taylor. 


CONCORD.  137 


CONCORD. 

What  concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial  f  -II.  Corinthians,  vi.  1*. 

But  lovely  concord,  and  most  sacred  peace, 

Doth  nourish  virtue,  and  fast  friendship  breedes ; 

Weake  she  makes  strong,and  strong  things  does  increase, 
Till  it  the  pitch  of  highest  praise  exceedes — 
Brave  be  her  warres,  as  honourable  deedes, 

By  which  she  triumphs  over  ire  and  pride, 
And  winnes  an  olive  garden  for  her  meedes. 


Spenser. 


One  shall  rise 
<  )f  proud  ambitious  heart,  who,  not  content 
With  fair  equality,  fraternal  state, 
Will  arrogate  dominion  undeserved 
Over  his  brethren,  and  quite  dispossess 
Concord,  and  law  of  nature  from  the  earth. 


31  i  It  on. 


K'en  as  the  dew.  that,  at  the  break  of  morning, 

All  nature  with  its  beauty  is  adorning, 
And  flows  for  Heaven,  calm  and  still, 
And  bathes  the  tender  grass  on  Zion's  hill, 
And  to  the  young  and  withering  herb  resigns 
The  drops  for  which  it  pines  : 

So  are  fraternal  peace  and  concord  ever 

The  cherishers  without  whose  guidance,  never 
Would  sainted  quiet  seek  the  breast. — 
The  life,  the  soul  of  unmolested  rest, — 
The  antidote  to  sorrow  and  distress, 
And  prop  of  human  happiness.  Kamphuyzen. 

It  is  not  once  an  age  two  hearts  are  set 
So  well  in  unison,  that  not  a  note 
Jars  in  their  music  ;  but  a  skilful  hand 
Slurs  lightly  over  the  discordant  tones, 
And  wakens  only  the  full  power  of  those 
That  sound  in  concord. 

Happy,  happy  those 
Who  thus  perform  in  the  grand  concert — life. 

Mrs.  Sou  they. 


138  CONQUEST. 


CONQUEST. 

AS  it  is  written,  For  thy  sake  we  are  killed  all  the  day  long;  we 
are  accounted  as  sheep  for  the  slaughter. 

Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors  through  Hhn 
that  loved  us. — Romans,  vih.  36,  37. 

And  I  saw,  and  behold  a  white  horse ;  and  he  that  sat  on  him  had 
a  bow ;  and  a  crown  was  given  unto  him  ;  and  he  went  forth  conquering 
and  to  conquer. — Revelations,  vi.  2. 

The  conquered  also,  and  enslaved  by  war, 

Shall,  with  their  freedom  lost,  all  virtue  lose, 

And  fear  of  God.  Milton. 

Well  then,  my  soul,  joy  in  the  midst  of  pain  ; 

Thy  Christ,  that  conquered  hell,  shall  from  above 
With  greater  triumph  yet  return  again, 

Aud  conquer  his  own  justice  with  his  love — 
Commanding  earth  and  seas  to  render  those 
Unto  His  bliss,  for  whom  He  paid  His  woes. 

Henry  IVotton. 

Strange  conquest,  when  the  conqueror  must  die, 

And  he  is  slain  who  wins  the  victory, 

And  yet  another  conquest  he  must  gain, 

Or  all  our  faith  and  highest  hopes  are  vain.  Anon. 

He  on  whose  eyes  sweet  light  revealed  hath  been, 

He  on  whose  ears  the  mysteries  of  sound, 

The  lame  who  now  can  walk,  he  who  hath  seen 

The  gate  of  death  and  he  whom  death  hath  bound, 

Rejoice  aloud — a  choral  company  ! 

And  had  they  not,  the  stones  from  out  the  ground 

Witness  of  Him,  whom  Patriarchs  longed  to  see, 

Had  borne  ;  such  was  the  aspiration  then, 

The  rapture  and  procession.     And  lo,  He 

Went  like  a  conqueror  on  his  way,  while  men 

Cowered  as  before  a  God.  J.  A.  Heraud. 

To  Thee,  who  dying,  conquerest,&\l  hail! 
Son  of  the  virgin  !  Hero  of  the  blest ! 
Over  the  gates  of  death  and  hell  prevail ; 
Warrior  who  hast  alone  the  wine-press  trod. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 


CONSCIENCE.  139 


CONSCIENCE. 

And  herein  do  I  exercis  •  have  always  a  t 

of  offence  toward  G<  id  men.— Ad 

Their  bearing    witness,    and    their    I 

meanwhile  ao  ising  one  another.— Romans,  ii.  15. 

Ye  must  needs  be   subject,  not   only   for   wrath,  but  also  for  con- 
sake.— Romans,  xiii.  •"). 

Holding  the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience. — I.  Timothy, 
iii.  9. 

Purge  your  conscience  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God. 
—Hebrews,  ix.  14. 

We  trust  we  have  a  good  conscience. — Hebrews,  xiii.  18. 


Guilt  still  alarms,  and  conscience,  ne'er  asleep, 

Wounds  vrith  incessant  strokes,  not  loud  but  deep  ; 

While  the  vexed  mind  her  own  tormentor  flies, 

A  scorpion  scourge  uumark'd  by  human  eyes ! 

Trust  me  no  tortures  that  the  poets  feign, 

Can  match  the  fierce,  the  unutterable  pain 

He  feels,  who  day  and  night,  devoid  of  rest. 

Carries  his  own  accuser  in  his  breast.  Juvenal. 


Study  conscience  more  than  thou  wouldst  fame  ; 

Though  both  be  good,  the  latter  yet  is  worst, 

And  ever  is  ill  got,  without  the  first.  Ben  Jonson. 


For  though  the  plain  judge,  Conscience,  makes  no  show, 

But  silently  to  her  dark  session  comes, 
Not  as  red  law  does  to  arraignment  go, 

Or  war  to  execution,  with  loud  drums  ; 

Though  she  on  hills  sets  not  her  gibbets  high. 

Where  frightful  law  sets  hers ;  nor  bloody  seems, 
Like  war  in  colours  spread,  yet  secretly 

She  does  her  work,  and  many  men  condemns ; 

Chokes  in  the  seed  what  law,  till  ripe,  ne'er  sees  ; 

What  law  would  punish,  Conscience  can  prevent ; 
And  so  the  world  from  many  mischiefs  frees  ; 

Known  by  her  cures,  as  law  by  punishment. 

Sir   William  Davenant. 


140  CONSCIENCE. 


So  gnaws  the  grief  of  conscience  evermore, 

And  in  the  heart  it  is  so  deep  ygrave, 
That  they  may  never  sleep  nor  rest  therefor, 

Nor  think  one  thought  but  on  the  dread  they  have. 

Earl  of  Dorset. 

The  soul's  rough  file  that  smoothness  does  impart ; 
The  hammer  that  does  break  the  stony  heart ! 
The  worm  that  never  dies  !  the  "thorn  within," 
That  pricks  and  pains  !  the  whip  and  scourge  of  sin ! 
The  voice  of  God  in  man  !  that  without  rest 
Does  softly  cry  within  a  troubled  breast — 
"To  all  temptations  is  that  soul  set  free 
That  makes  not  to  itself  a  curb  of  me." 

Sir  E.  Sherburne. 

For  him  a  waking  bloodhound,  yelling  loud, 
(That  in  his  bosom  long  had  sleeping  laid, 
A  guilty  conscience  lurking  after  blood,) 
Pursued  eagerly,  nor  ever  stayed, 
Till  the  betrayer's  self  it  had  betrayed  ; 
Oft  changed  he  place  in  hope  away  to  wind, 
But  change  of  place  could  never  change  his  mind, 
Himself  he  flies  to  lose,  but  follows  but  to  find. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

There  is  a  kind  of  conscience  some  men  keep, 
Is  like  a  member  that 's  benumbed  with  sleep ; 
Which,  as  it  gathers  blood,  and  wakes  again, 
It  shoots,  and  pricks,  and  feels  as  big  as  ten. 

Quarles. 
The  swelling  of  an  outward  fortune  can 
Create  a  prosperous,  not  a  happy,  man ; 
A  peaceful  conscience  is  the  true  content, 
And  wealth  is  but  her  golden  ornament.  Quarles. 

Divine  authority,  within  man's  breast, 
Brings  every  thought,  word,  action,  to  the  test ; 
Warns  him  or  prompts,  approves  him  or  restrains, 
As  reason,  or  as  passion  takes  the  reins. 
Heaven  from  above,  and  Conscience  from  within, 
Cries  in  his  startled  ear, — Abstain  from  sin. 

Cowper. 


CONSCIENCE.  1  11 


From  behind  her  secret  stand, 
The  sly  informer  minutes  every  fault, 
And  her  dread  diarv  with  horror  fills. 
Not  the  gross  act  alone  employs  her  pen  j 
She  reconnoitres  fancy's  airy  band, 
Our  dawning  purposes  of  heart  explores, 
And  steals  our  embryos  of  iniquity.  Young. 

'T  is  ever  thus 
With  noble  minds ;  if  chance  they  slide  to  folly, 
Kemorse  stings  deeper,  and  relentless  conscience 
Pours  more  of  gall  into  the  bitter  cup 
Of  their  severe  repentance.  Mason. 

Knowledge  or  wealth  to  few  are  given, 
But  mark  how  just  the  ways  of  heaven : 

True  joy  to  all  is  free. 
Nor  wealth  nor  knowledge  grant  the  boon, 
Tis  thine,  O  Conscience  !  thine  alone — 

It  all  belongs  to  thee.  Mickle. 

What  terrestial  woe  can  match 
The  self-convicted  bosom,  which  hath  wrought 
The  bane  of  others,  or  enslaved  itself 
With  shackles  vile?     Not  poison,  nor  sharp  fire, 
Nor  the  worst  paiiiis  that  ever  monkish  hate 
Suggested,  or  despotic  rage  imposed, 
Were  at  that  season  an  unwished  exchange; 
WTien  the  soul  loathes  herself,  when  flying  thence. 
To  crowds,  on  every  brow  she  sees  pourtrayed 
Fell  demons,  hate  or  scorn,  which  drive  her  back 
To  solitude,  her  Judge's  voice  divine. 
To  hear  in  secret,  haply  sounding  through 
The  troubled  dreams  of  midnight,  and  still,  still 
Demanding  for  his  violated  laws 
Fit  recompense  ;  or  charging  her  own  tongue 
To  speak  the  award  of  justice  on  herself. 

Akenside. 

Conscience  distasteful  truths  may  tell, 

But  mark  her  sacred  lessons  well, 

With  her  whoever  lives  at  strife, 

Loses  his  better  friend  for  life.  Anon. 


142  CONSCIENCE. 


Conscience,  tremendous  conscience,  in  his  fits 

Of  inspiration,  whencesoe'er  it  came, 

Hose  like  a  ghost,  inflicting  fear  of  death 

On  those  who  feared  not  death  in  fiercest  battle, 

And  mocked  him  in  their  martyrdoms  of  torments  ; 

That  secret,  swift,  and  silent  messenger, 

Broke  on  them  in  their  lonely  hours ; — in  sleep, 

In  sickness  ;  haunting  them  with  dire  suspicions 

Of  something  in  themselves  that  would  not  die — 

Of  an  existence  elsewhere,  and  hereafter ; 

Of  which  tradition  was  not  wholly  silent, 

Yet  spake  not  out ;  its  dreary  oracles 

Confounded  superstition  to  conceive, 

And  baffled  scepticism  to  reject. 

What  fear  of  death  is  like  the  fear  bej^ond  it  ? 

J.  Montgomery. 
JNTothing  they  saw,  but  a  low  voice  was  heard 
Threading  the  ominous  silence  of  that  fear, 
Gentle  and  terrorless,  as  if  a  bird, 
Wakened  by  some  volcano's  glare,  should  cheer 
The  murk  air  with  his  song ;  yet  every  word 
In  the  cathedral's  farthest  arch  seemed  near, 
As  if  it  spoke  to  every  one  apart, 
Like  the  clear  voice  of  conscience  to  each  heart. 

Lowell. 
Lest  too  powerful  passions  should  propel 
Headlong  to  acts  immoral,  nor  allow 
Time  for  slow  Heason  to  deduce  a  rule 
To  curb  their  mad  career,  Conscience  kind  heaven 
Appointed  her  assistant ;    Conscience  quick 
To  heed  the  call  of  duty,  to  discern 
'Twixt  right  and  wrong,  and  bias  to  the  best. 

William  Gibson. 

Oh,  that  folk  would  well  consider 
What  it  is  to  lose  a  name, 

What  this  world  is  altogether, 
If  bereft  of  honest  fame. 

Poverty  ne'er  brings  dishonour, 
Hardship  ne'er  breeds  sorrow's  smart, 

If  bright  conscience  takes  upon  her 
To  shed  sunshine  round  the  heart. 

Hector  Mc   Neill. 


CONSOLATION.  li-'i 


CONSOLATION. 

:he  consolations  of  God  small  with  thee?— Job.  xv.  11. 

into  you  that  are  rie'i  :  for  you  have  received  your  consolation. 
— Lb 

rhich  is.  hem?  interpreted,  the  son  «>f  consolation. 

For  as  the  sufferings  of  Christ  abound    u  nr  cvnsolatinv 

ithi&ns,  i.  •". 

arc  the  sayings  of  the  wise, 
In  ancient  and  in  modern  books  enroll'd, 
Extolling  patience  as  the  truest  fortitude ; 
And  to  the  bearing  well  of  all  calamities, 
All  chances  incident  to  man's  frail  life 
Consolatorics  writ 

With  studied  argument,  and  much  persuasion  sought 
Lenient  of  grief  and  anxious  thought ; 
But  with  the  afflicted,  in  his  ]>anurs  their  sound 
Little  prevails,  or  rather  seems  a  time 
Harsh,  and  of  dissonant  mood  from  his  complaint ; 
Unless  he  feels  within 
Some  source  of  consolation  from  above, 
Secret  refreshings,  that  repair  his  strength, 
And  fainting  spirits  uphold.  Milton. 

A  faded  flower,  a  bud  of  beauty  blasted. 

A  broken  lute,  a  precious  diamond  shattered, 
A  stream  of  purest  water,  early  wasted, 

A  priceless  essence  on  the  desert  scattered, 
Like  these  thou  hast  perished,  in  thy  beauty  mild. 
To  which  shall  we  compare  thee,  lovely  child? 

If  to  the  faded  flower,  we  know  its  fruit 

Is  garncr'd  up  midst  Heaven's  holy  treasures ; 

If  to  the  lovely -toned,  but  broken  lute, 

Its  echo  mingleth  now,  in  heavenly  measures ; 

The  diamond  is  not  lost ;  its  fragments  gather 

Into  a  star  before  the  Eternal  Father. 

The  stream  beside  the  stream  of  life  is  flowing, 
And  ever  fed  from  their  celestial  springs  ; 

The  essence  round  the  Throne  eternal,  going 
Embodied  on  a  Seraph's  radiant  wings  ; 

Oh,  lost  one ! — let  us  call  thee  what  we  will, 

The  very  name  hath  consolation  still.  Anon. 


144  CONTENT. 


CONTENT. 

BUT  godliness,  with  contentment,  is  great  gain. 

For  we  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is  certain  wo  can 
carry  nothing  out. 

And  having  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be  therewith  content  - 
I.  Timothy,  vi.  6,  7,  8. 

1  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  be  content, 
— Philippians,  iv.  11. 

Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness :  and  be  content  with 
such  things  as  ye  have :  for  He  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee. — Hebrews,  xiii.  5. 

Poor  and  content  is  rich  and  rick  enough. 

Shakspei  e. 
My  conscience  is  my  crown, 
Contented  thoughts  my  rest ; 
My  heart  is  happy  in  itself, 
My  bliss  is  in  my  breast. 

Enough  I  reckon  wealth, 
A  mean  the  surest  lot ; 
That  lies  too  high  for  base  contempt, 

Too  low  for  envy's  shot.  Robert  Southwell. 

Though  still  thou  get'st,  yet  is  thy  want  not  spent, 
But,  as  thy  wealth,  so  grows  thy  wealthy  itch ; 
But  with  my  little  I  have  much  content — 
Content  hath  all ;  and  who  hath  all,  is  rich  : 

Then  this  in  reason  thou  must  needs  confess — 

If  I  have  little,  yet  that  thou  hast  less. 

Whatever  man  possesses,  God  hath  lent, 

And  to  his  audit  liable  is,  ever, 

To  reckon  how,  and  when,  and  where  he  spent ; 

Then  this  thou  bragg'st — thou  art  a  great  receiver  : 
Little  my  debt,  when  little  is  my  store — 
The  more  thou  hast,  the  debt  still  grows  the  more. 

Phineas  Fletcher. 

I  grieve,  and  dare  not  show  my  discontent; 

I  love,  and  yet  am  forced  to  seem  to  hate  ; 

I  do,  yet  dare  not  say  I  ever  meant, 

I  seem  stark  mute,  but  inwardly  do  prate : 
I  am,  and  not,  I  freeze,  and  yet  am  burn'd, 
Since  from  myself  my  other  self  I  turn'd. 


CONTENT.  145 


My  care  is  like  my  shadow  in  the  sun — 
Follows  me  flying,  flies  when  I  pursue  it ; 
Stands  and  lies  by  me.  does  what  I  have  done, 
This  too-familiar  care  does  make  me  rue  it. 
No  means  I  find  to  rid  him  from  my  breast, 
Till  by  the  end  of  things  it  is  suppress'd. 

Some  gentler  passions  slide  into  my  mind, 

For  1  am  soft,  and  made  of  melting  snow  ; 

Or  be  more  cruel,  love,  and  so  be  kind. 

Let  me  or  float  or  sink,  be  high  or  low, 

Or  let  me  live  with  some  more  sweet  content, 
Or  die,  and  so  forget  what  love  e'er  meant. 

Queen  Elizabeth. 

Welcome  pure  thoughts,  welcome  ye  silent  groves, 
These  guests,  these  courts,  my  soul  most  dearly  loves : 
Now  the  wing'd  people  of  the  sky  shall  sing 
My  cheerful  anthems  to  the  gladsome  spring : 
A  prayer  book  now  shall  be  my  looking-glass, 
In  which  I  will  adore  sweet  virtue's  face. 
Here  dwell  no  hateful  looks,  no  palace-cares, 
No  broken  vows  dwell  here,  no  pale-faced  fears  : 
Then  here  I'  11  sit,  and  sigh  my  hot  love's  folly, 
And  learn  't  affect  an  holy  melancholy  ; 
And  if  Contentment  be  a  stranger  then, 
I'  11  ne'er  look  for  it  but  in  Heaven  again. 

Sir  Henry  Wot  ton. 

There  's  discontent  from  sceptre  to  the  swain, 
And  from  the  peasant  to  the  king  asain. 
Then  whatsoever  in  thy  will  afflict  thee, 
Or  in  thy  pleasure  seem  to  contradict  thee, 
Give  it  a  welcome  as  a  wholesome  friend, 
That  would  instruct  thee  to  a  better  end. 
Since  no  condition  from  defect  is  free, 
Think  not  to  find  what  here  can  never  be. 

Alexander  Nicholas. 

Unfit  for  greatness,  I  her  snares  defy, 
And  look  on  riches  with  untainted  eye. 
To  others  let  the  glittering  baubles  fall, 
Content  shall  place  us  far  above  them  all. 

Churchill. 


146  CONTENT. 


O  may  I  with  myself  agree, 

And  never  covet  what  I  see  ! 

Content  me  with  an  humble  shade  ; 

My  passions  tamed,  my  wishes  laid ; 

For  while  our  wishes  idly  roll, 

We  banish  quiet  from  the  soul ; 

'T  is  then  we  busy  beat  the  air, 

And  misers  gather  wealth  and  care.  Dyer. 

Happy  is  he,  who,  though  the  cup  of  bliss 

Has  ever  shunn'd  him  when  he  thought  to  kiss, 

"Who  still  in  abject  poverty  or  pain, 

Can  count  with  pleasure  what  small  joys  remain ; 

Though,  were  his  sight  convey 'd  from  zone  to  zone, 

He  would  not  find  one  spot  of  ground  his  own ; 

Yet  as  he  looks  around,  he  cries  with  glee, 

These  bounding  prospects  all  are  made  for  me  : 

For  me  yon  waving  fields  their  burden  bear, 

For  me  yon  labourer  guides  the  shining  share ; 

While  happy  I,  in  idle  ease  recline, 

And  mark  the  glorious  visions  as  they  shine. 

This  is  the  charm,  by  sages  often  told, 

Converting  all  it  touches  into  gold. 

Content  can  soothe,  where'er  by  fortune  placed, 

Can  rear  a  garden  in  the  desert  waste. 

E.  K.  White. 

O  Thou,  who  kindly  dost  provide 
For  every  creature's  want ! 

We  bless  Thee,  God  of  Nature  wide, 
For  all  thy  goodness  lent ; 

And  if  it  please  Thee,  Heavenly  Guide, 
May  never  worse  be  sent ; 

But  whether  granted,  or  denied, 

Lord!  bless  us  with  content  I  Burns. 

There  is  a  jewel  which  no  Indian  mine  can  buy, 

No  chemic  art  can  counterfeit ; 

It  makes  men  rich  in  greatest  poverty, 

Makes  water  wine,  turns  wooden  cups  to  gold, 

The  homely  whistle  to  sweet  music's  strain ; 

Seldom  it  comes,  to  few  from  heaven  sent, 

That  much  in  little — all  in  nought — content.  Anon. 


CONTENT.  147 


Ye  venerable  groves !  whose  open  glades 

Invite  the  musing  wanderer  to  your  shades, 

Ye  birds  !  whose  honied  notes  enthral  the  ear, 

Wake  the  bright  morn,  the  darksome  evening  cheer, 

Ye  fountains !  murmuring  music  as  ye  flow, 

Ye  flowers  !  that  on  their  purple  margins  glow, 

Ye  winds  !  that  o'er  those  flowers  soft  breathing  play. 

Calm  the  hot  sky,  and  mitigate  the  day  ; — 

Take  me,  O  take  me  to  your  loved  retreats; 

All,  all  conspire  to  bless  me  with  your  sweets. 

Here  in  your  soft  enclosure  let  me  prove 

The  shade  and  silence  of  the  life  I  love! 

Not  idle  here; — for,  as  I  rove  along, 

I  form  the  verse,  and  meditate  the  song; 

Or  mend  my  mind  by  what  the  wise  have  taught, 

Studious  to  be  the  very  thing  I  ought. 

Here  will  I  taste  the  blessings  of  content, 

No  hope  shall  flatter,  and  no  fear  torment : 

Unlike  the  sea,  the  sport  of  every  wind. 

And  rich  with  wrecks,  the  ruin  of  mankind, 

My  life  an  honest,  humble  praise  shall  claim. 

As  the  small  stream,  scarce  honoured  with  a  name, 

Whose  gladdening  waters  through  my  garden  play. 

Give  a  few  flowers  to  smile,  then  glide  away. 

BisJiop  Hard. 

The  wisest,  happiest,  of  our  kind  are  they 

That  ever  walk  content  with  Nature's  way, 

God's  goodness  measuring  bounty  as  it  mav ; 

For  whom  the  gravest  thought  of  what  they  miss, 

Chastening  the  fulness  of  a  present  bliss, 

Is  with  that  wholesome  office  satisfied  : 

While  unrepining  sadness  is  allied 

In  thankful  bosoms  to  a  modest  pride.        Wordsicorth. 

Grant,  gracious  Lord,  as  through  this  troubled  scene 

I  walk  unsafely,  stumbling  as  I  go, 
Glimpses  of  hope,  the  murky  clouds  between, 

May  break  at  times,  and  fight  the  way  below; 
But  if  I  may  not  such  sweet  solace  find. 
Give  me  a  prayerful  and  contented  mind. 

Egone. 


148  CONTRITION. 


CONTRITION. 

THE  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart ;  and  saveth 
such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit. — Psalm  xxxiv.  18. 

The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit;  a  broken  and  a  contrite 
heart,  0  G-od,  Thou  wilt  not  despise. — Psalm  li.  17. 

Thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose 
name  is  Holy ;  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place,  with  him  also  that 
is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble, 
and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones.— Isaiah,  lvii.  15. 

To  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of  a  contrite 
spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word.— Isaiah,  lxvi.  2. 

Feuits  of  more  pleasing  savour  from  thy  seed 
Sown  with  contrition  in  his  heart,  than  those 
Which,  his  own  hand  manuring,  all  the  trees 
Of  Paradise  could  have  produced.  Milton. 

I,  who  have  gone  so  far  and  long  astray, 
Adding  to  primal  guilt  the  mountains  high 
Of  trespass  day  by  day,  as  if  to  try 

Thy  long  forbearance,  still  for  mercy  pray  ; 

For  mercy  even  yet.     Look  ere  thou  slay, 
Great  God  !  upon  my  tears ;  look  where  I  lie 
Repentant;  give,  O  give,  before  I  die, 

Thy  grace,  and  guide  my  feet  into  thy  way. 

Reveal  thy  sufferings,  thy  blood  and  sweat : 
Short  is  my  time;  reveal  thy  bitter  cross 
To  my  dark  eyes,  all  used  to  other  sight. 

Quench,  O  my  God!  all  that  unhallowed  heat 
Of  former  life,  which  now  I  count  but  loss  : 
Lord,  thou  hast  ne'er  despised  a  heart  contrite. 

From  the  Italian  of  Gabriel  Fiamma. 

Where  sad  contrition  harbours,  there  the  heart 

Is  truly  acquainted  with  the  secret  smart 

Of  past  offences,  hates  the  bosom  sin 

The  most,  which  most  the  soul  took  pleasure  in ; 

No  crime  unsifted,  no  sin  unpresented 

Can  lurk  unseen,  and  seen,  none  unlamented ; 

The  troubled  soul's  amazed  with  dire  aspects 

Of  lesser  sins  committed,  and  detects 

The  wounded  conscience ;  it  cries  amain 

For  mercy — mercy ;  cries,  and  cries  again. 


CONTEITION.  149 


It  sadly  grieves,  and  soberly  laments, 

It  yearns  for  grace,  reforms,  returns,  repents. 

Aye,  this  is  incense  whose  accepted  savour 

Mounts  up  the  heavenly  throne,  and  findeth  favour : 

Aye,  this  it  is  whose  valour  never  fails — 

With  God  it  stoutly  wrestles  and  prevails : 

Aye,  this  it  is  that  pierces  heaven  above, 

Never  returning  home,  (like  Noah's  dove,) 

But  brings  an  olive  leaf,  or  some  increase, 

That  works  salvation  and  eternal  peace.  Quarles. 

All  powerful  is  the  penitential  sigh 
Of  true  contrition  ;  like  the  placid  wreaths 
Of  incense,  wafted  from  the  righteous  shrine 
Where  Abel  ministered,  to  the  blest  seat 
Of  Mercy,  an  accepted  sacrifice, 
Humiliation's  conscious  plaint  ascends. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

Lord  !  who  art  merciful  as  well  as  just, 
Incline  thine  ear  to  me,  a  child  of  dust ! 
Not  what  I  would,  O  Lord !  I  offer  thee, 

Alas  !  but  wbat  I  can. 
Father  Almighty,  who  hast  made  me  man, 
And  bade  me  look  to  heaven,  for  thou  art  there, 
Accept  my  sacrifice  and  humble  prayer. 
Pour  things  which  are  not  in  my  treasury, 
I  lay  before  thee,  Lord,  with  this  petition : — 

My  nothingness,  my  wants, 

My  sins,  and  my  contrition. 

Southey,  imitated  from  the  Persian. 

O,  my  soul !  thy  lost  condition 

Brought  the  gentle  Saviour  low ! 
Hast  thou  felt  one  hour's  contrition 

For  those  sins  that  pierced  him  so? 
Dost  thou  bear  the  love  thou  owest 

For  such  proof  of  grace  divine  ? 
Can'st  thou  answer, — Lord  thou  knowest 

That  this  heart  is  wholly  Thine  P  C.  Bowles. 


150  COUEAGE. 


COUEAGE. 

Wait  on  the  Lord :  be  of  good  courage. — Psalm  xxvii.  14. 

Be  of  good  courage,  and  He  shall  strengthen  your  heart,  all  ye  that 
hope  in  the  Lord. — Psalm  xxxi.  24. 

And  he  that  is  courageous  among  the  mighty  shall  flee  away  naked 
in  that  day,  saith  the  Lord. — Amos,  ii.  16. 

When  the  brethren  heard  of  us  they  came  to  meet  us :  whom  when 
Paid  saw,  he  thanked  God.  and  took  courage. — Acts,  xxviii.  15. 

That  courage  which  the  vain  for  valour  take, 
Who  proudly  danger  seek  for  glory's  sake, 
Is  impudence  ;  and  what  they  rashly  do, 
Has  no  excuse,  but  that  't  is  madness  too. 

Sir   William   Davenant. 

Stand  but  your  ground,  your  ghostly  foes  will  fly — 

Hell  trembles  at  a  heaven-directed  eye ; 

Choose  rather  to  defend  than  to  assail — 

Self-confidence  will  in  the  conflict  fail : 

When  you  are  challenged,  you  may  dangers  meet — 

True  courage  is  a  fixed,  not  sudden  heat ; 

Is  always  humble,  lives  in  self-distrust, 

And  will  itself  into  no  danger  thrust. 

Devote  yourself  to  God,  and  you  will  find 

God  fights  the  battles  of  a  will  resigned. 

Love  Jesus  !  Love  will  no  base  fear  endure — 

Love  Jesus  !  And  of  conquest  rest  secure. 

Bishop  Ken. 

True  courage  is  not  moved  by  breath  of  words  ; 
While  the  rash  bravery  of  boiling  blood, 
Impetuous,  knows  no  settled  principle. 
A  feverish  tide,  it  has  its  ebbs  and  flows, 
As  spirits  rise  or  fall,  as  wine  inflames, 
Or  circumstances  change  :  but  inborn  courage, 
The  generous  child  of  fortitude  and  faith, 
Holds  its  firm  empire  in  the  constant  soul ; 
And  like  the  steadfast  pole-star,  never  once 
From  the  same  fixed  and  faithful  point  declines. 

Hannah  More. 


COURT.  151 


COURT. 

1'»i.ks>f.I)  is  the  man  whom  Thou  choosest.  and  caasest  to  approach 
Iioe.  that  he  may  dwell  in  Thy  courts. — Psalm  lxv.  4. 

Those  that  be  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  shall  flourish  in  the 
I  of  our  God.-rSalm  xcii.  LS. 

Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  land-. 

I'.nter  into  His  gates  with   thanksgiving,  and   into  His  courts  with 
praise.— Psalm  c.  1.  4. 

1:    shall   be   an  habitation   of    dragons,    and  a   court    for    owls.— 
Isaiah,  xxxiv.  13. 


Gaze  but  upon  the  house  where  man  doth  live. 
With  flowers  and  verdure  to  adorn  his  way ; 
Where  all  the  creatures  due  obedience  give ; 
The  winds  to  sweep  his  chambers  every  day  ; 
The  clouds  to  wash  his  rooms,  the  ceiling  gay 

With  glittering  stars,  that  night's   dark  empire 

brave ; 
If  such  an  house  God  to  another  gave, 
How  shine  those  splendid  courts  He  for  Himself  will 
have  p 

And  if  a  heavy  cloud,  opaque  at  night, 

In  which  the  sun  may  seem  embodied, 
Deprived  of  all  its  dregs  we  see  so  white, 
Burning  in  liquid  gold  its  watery  head, 
Or  round  with  ivory  edges  silvered ; 
What  lustre  supereminen-t  will  He 
Lighten  on  those  who  shall  his  sunshine  see 
In  that  all-glorious  court,  in  which  all  glories  be. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

Quivering  fears,  heart-tearing  cares, 
Anxious  sighs,  untimely  tears. 
Fly,  fly  to  courts; 
Fly  to  fond  worldlings'  sports, 
Where  strain'd  sardonic  smiles  are  glossing  still. 
And  grief  is  forced  to  laugh  against  her  will ; 
Where  mirth's  but  mummer}- ; 
And  sorrows  only  real  be! 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 


152  COVENANT. 


COVENANT— BAINBOW. 

A>~D  God  said  unto  Xoah,  The  end  of  all  flesh  is  come  before  me. 

But  with  thee  will  I  establish  my  covenant.— Genesis,  vi.  13,  18. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  I  bring  a  cloud  over  the  earth. 
that  the  bow  shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud. 

And  I  will  remember  my  covenant,  which  is  between  me  and  you. 
and  every  living  creature  of  all  flesh ;  and  the  waters  shall  no  more 
become  a  flood  to  destroy  all  flesh.— Genesis,  ix.  14,  15. 

Know  therefore  that  the  Lord  thy  God,  he  is  God,  the  faithful  God. 
which  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  with  them  that  love  Him  and  keep 
His  commandments  to  a  thousand  generations. — Deuteronomy,  vii.  !'. 

For  if  that  first  covenant  had  been  faultless,  then  should  no  place 
have  been  sought  for  the  second. — Hebrews,  viii.  7. 


Still  young  and  fine,  but  what  is  still  in  view, 
We  slight  as  old  and  soil'd,  though  fresh  and  new  ; 
How  bright  wert  thou  when  Shem's  admiring  eye 
Thy  burnished  flaming  arch  did  first  descry ; 
"When  Zarah,  Nahor,  Haran,  Abram,  Lot, 
The  youthful  world's  grey  fathers,  in  one  knot, 
Did,  with  intentive  looks,  watch  every  hour 
For  thy  new  light,  and  trembled  at  each  shower! 
When  thou  dost  shine,  darkness  looks  white  and  fair ; 
Porms  turn  to  music,  clouds  to  smiles  and  air ; 
Rain  gently  spreads  his  honey-drops,  and  pours 
Balm  on  the  cleft  earth,  milk  on  grass  and  flowers. 
Bright  pledge  of  peace  and  sunshine,  the  sure  fcye 
Of  the  Lord's  hand,  the  object  of  his  eye  ; 
"When  I  behold  thee,  though  my  light  be  dim, 
Distant,  and  low,  I  can  in  thine  see  Him 
"Who  looks  upon  thee  from  His  glorious  throne, 
And  minds  the  covenant  betwixt  all  and  One. 

Henry  Vaughan. 

The  rainbow  bending  in  the  sky, 

Bedecked  with  sundry  hues, 
Is  like  the  seat  of  G-od  on  high, 

And  seems  to  tell  these  news  : — 
That  as,  thereby,  He  promised 

To  drown  the  world  no  more, 
So,  by  the  blood  which  Christ  has  shed, 
He  will  our  souls  restore. 

George  Gascoigne. 


COVENANT.  153 


When  Science  from  Creation's  face 

Enchantment's  veil  withdraws, 
"What  lovely  visions  yield  their  place. 

To  cold  material  laws ! 

And  yet,  fair  boio,  no  fabling  beams, 

But  words  of  the  Most  High, 
Have  told  why  first  thy  robe  of  beams 
Was  woven  in  the  sky. 

When  o'er  the  green  undeluged  earth, 
Heaven's  covenant  thou  didst  shine, 

How  came  the  world's  grey  fathers  forth. 
To  watch  thy  sacred  sign ! 

And  when  the  yellow  lustre  smiled 

O'er  mountains  yet  untrod, 
Each  mother  held  aloft  her  child, 

To  bless  the  bow  of  God. 

Methinks,  thy  jubilee  to  keep, 

The  first-made  anthem  rang 
On  earth  delivered  from  the  deep, 

And  the  first  poet  sang. 

Nor  ever  shall  the  Muse's  eye, 

Unraptured  greet  thy  beam  : 
Theme  of  primeval  prophecy, 

Be  still  the  poet's  theme!  Campbell. 

Bow  in  the  cloud,  what  token  dost  thou  bear  ? 
— That  justice  still  cries  ''strike,"  and  mercy  "'spare." 

J.  Montgomery. 

Such  thou  hast  shone,  bright  rainbow  !  when  the  skv 

Has  clothed  in  clouds  its  blue  serenity  ; 

And  such  shall  shine,  while,  grateful  for  the  vow. 

All  nations  of  the  earth  to  heaven  shall  bow. 

Curbing  the  tempest  on  its  thunder  path, 

Chaining  the  boisterous  billows  in  their  wrath  ; 

Majestic  symbol  of  their  Maker's  might ! 

Girdle  of  beauty  !  coronal  of  light ! 

God's  own  blest  handmark,  mystic,  sure,  sublime, 

Graven  in  glory  to  the  end  of  time!  Anon. 


154  CREATION. 


CREATION. 

In  the  beginning,  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth.— Genesis, 
i.  1. 

Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord :  for  He  commanded,  and 
they  were  created. — Psalm  cxlviii.  6. 

Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth.— Ecclesiastes, 
xii.  1. 

Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  behold  who  hath  created  the6e 
things. 

Hast  thou  not  known?  hast  thou  not  heard,  that  the  everlasting 
God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth  not, 
neither  is  weary? — Isaiah,  xl.  26,  28. 

Have  we  not  all  one  father?  hath  not  one  God  created  us  ?  — Malachi, 
ii.  10. 

Thou  art  worthy,  0  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honour  and  power  : 
for  Thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  Thy  pleasure  they  are  and 
were  created. — Revelation,  iv.  11. 

Here  finished  he,  and  all  that  he  had  made 

Viewed,  and  behold  all  is  entirely  good  ; 

So  even  and  morn  accomplished  the  sixth  day ; 

Yet  not  till  the  Creator  from  his  work 

Desisting,  though  unwearied,  up  returned, 

Up  to  the  heaven  of  heavens  his  high  abode, 

Thence  to  behold  his  new  created  world, 

TV  addition  of  his  empire,  how  it  showed 

In  prospect  from  his  throne,  how  good,  how  fair, 

Answering  his  great  idea.     Up  he  rode, 

Followed  by  acclamation,  and  the  sound 

Symphonious  of  ten  thousand  harps,  that  tuned 

Angelic  harmonies  ;  the  earth,  the  air, 

Resounded, 

The  heavens  and  all  the  constellations  rang, 

The  planets  in  their  stations  listening  stood, 

While  the  bright  pomp  ascended  jubilant : — 

Open,  ye  everlasting  gates,  they  sang, 

Open,  ye  heavens,  your  everlasting  doors ;  let  in 

The  great  Creator  from  his  work  returned 

Magnificent,  his  six  days'  work — a  world. 

Milton. 
My  heart  is  awed  within  me,  when  I  think 
Of  the  great  miracle  that  still  goes  on, 
In  silence,  round  me — the  perpetual  work 
Of  thy  creation,  finished,  yet  renewed 
For  ever.  W.  C.  Bryant. 


CREATION.  155 


From  the  throne  of  the  Highest  the   mandate   came 
forth, 

From  the  word  of  Omnipotent  God ; 
And  the  elements  fashioned  his  footstool  the  earth. 

And  the  Heavens  his  holy  abode : 
And  his  Spirit  moved  over  the  fathomless  flood 

Of  waters  that  fretted  in  darkness  around, 
Until  at  his  bidding,  their  turbulent  mood 
Was  hushed  to  a  calm,  and  obedient  they  stood 

"Where  he  fixed  their  perpetual  bound. 

From  the  work  of  creation,  which  rose  by  his  word, 

When  finished  the  heavens  and  the  earth  ; 
On  the  seventh  day  rested  th'  Omnipotent  Lord, 

As  he  looked  on  each  beautiful  birth : — 
On  the  firmament,  stretched  from  the  east  to  the  west, 

On  the  far  flowing  sea,  and  the  fast  teeming  land, 
And  he  saw  they  were  good,  and  the  Sabbath  was  blest, 
The  Sabbath !  the  sanctified  season  of  rest 

To  the  creatures  that  came  from  his  hand.      Knox. 

Mysterious  power !  which  guides  by  night 

Through  darkest  wood  the  illumined  sight ; 

Which  prompts  them,  by  the  unerring  smell, 

The  appointed  prey's  abode  to  tell ; 

Bore  with  long  bill  the  investing  mould, 

And  feel,  and  from  the  secret  hold 

Dislodge  the  reptile  spoil !   But  who 

Can  look  Creation's  volume  through, 

And  not  fresh  proofs,  at  every  turn, 

Of  the  Creator  s  mind  discern  : 

The  end  to  which  his  actions  tend, 

The  means  adapted  to  the  end. 

The  reasoning  thought,  the  effective  skill, 

And,  ruling  all,  the  Almighty  will.  Bishop  Mant. 

In  the  Beginning  primal  darkness  flung 
Her  veil  o'er  chaos,  void  and  formless  all ; 

The  brooding  Spirit  o'er  the  waters  hung  ; 
The  father's  fiat  moved  the  empty  pall : 

"Let  there  be  Light!"     Forthwith  Creation  sprung 
Glad  into  being.     Thy  Creating  Love, 

Lord,  I  believe  !     Mine  unbelief  remove. 

IT.  II.  Weld. 


156  CROWN. 


CROWN. 

In  that  day  shall  the  Lord  of  Hosts  be  for  a  crown  of  glory,  and 
for  a  diadem  of  beauty,  unto  the  residue  of  his  peo pie.  —Isaiah, 
xxviii.  5. 

Know  ye  not  that  they  which  run  in  a  race  run  all  but  one  receiveth 
the  prize? 

Now  they  do  it  to  obtain  a  corruptible  crown;  but  we  an  incor- 
ruptible.—I.  Corinthians,  ix.  24,  25. 

I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept 
the  faith : 

Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness. — 
II.  Timothy,  iv.  7,  8. 


They  who  die  in  Christ  are  bless'd — 
Ours  be,  then,  no  thought  of  grieving ! 

Sweetly  with  their  God  they  rest, 
All  their  toils  and  troubles  leaving : 

So  be  ours  the  faith  that  saveth, 

Hope  that  every  trial  braveth, 

Love  that  to  the  end  endureth, 

And,  through  Christ,  the  crown  secureth ! 

Bishop  Doane. 

The  way  to  bliss  lies  not  on  bed  of  down, 
And  he  that  had  no  cross  deserves  no  crown. 

Quarles. 

How  much  do  they  mistake,  how  little  know 

Of  kings,  and  kingdoms,  and  the  pains  which  flow 

From  royalty,  who  fancy  that  a  crown, 

Because  it  glistens,  must  be  lin'd  with  down. 

With  outside  show,  and  vain  appearance  caught, 

They  look  no  further,  and  by  folly  taught, 

Prize  high  the  toys  of  thrones,  but  never  find 

One  of  the  many  cares  which  lurk  behind. 

The  gem  they  worship,  which  a  crown  adorns, 

Nor  once  suspects  that  crown  is  lin'd  with  thorns. 

O  might  reflection  folly's  place  supply, 

Would  we  one  moment  use  her  piercing  eye, 

Then  should  we  know  what  woe  from  grandeur  springs, 

And  learn  to  pity,  not  to  envy  kings.  Churchill. 


cross.  157 


CROSS— CRUCIFIXION. 

And  he  that  taketh  not  his  c?'oss,  and  followeth  after  me,  is  not 
worthy  of  me. — Matthew,  x.  38. 

Pilate  saith  unto  them.  What  shall  I  do  then  with  Jesus  which  is 
called  Christ?    They  all  say  unto  him,  Let  Him  he  crucified. 

And  the  governor  said,  Why,  what  evil  hath  He  done?  But  they 
cried  out  the  more,  saying,  Let  Him  be  crMr//fcd. --Matthew,  xxxvii.  22,  28. 

For  the  preaching  of  the  cross,  is  to  them  that  perish,  foolishness ; 
hut  unto  us,  which  are  saved,  it  is  the  power  of  God.— I.  Corinthians, 
i.  18. 

But  we  preach  Christ  crucified,  unto  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block, 
and  unto  the  Greeks  foolishness  ; 

But  unto  them  which  are  called,  both  Jew^s  and  Greeks,  Christ  the 
power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God.— I.  Corinthians,  i.  23,  24. 

I  am  crucified  with  Christ :  nevertheless  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ 
liveth  in  me.— Galatians,  ii.  20. 

But  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the 
world. — Galatians,  vi.  14. 

Now  my  frail  bark  through  this  tempestuous  flood 
Is  steered,  and  full  in  view  that  port  is  seen, 
Where  all  must  answer  what  their  course  has  been, 

And  every  work  be  tried  if  bad  or  good. 

Now  do  those  lofty  dreams,  my  fancy's  brood, 
Which  made  of  art  an  idol  and  a  queen, 
Melt  into  air ;  and  now  I  feel,  how  keen ! 

That  what  I  needed  most  I  most  withstood. 

Ye  fabled  joys,  ye  tales  of  empty  love, 

What  are  ye  now  if  two- fold  death  be  nigh  ? 
The  first  is  certain,  and  the  last  I  dread. 

Ah !  what  does  sculpture,  what  does  painting  prove, 
When  we  have  seen  the  cross,  and  fixed  our  eye 
On  him  whose  arms  of  love  were  thus  outspread. 

From  the  Italian  of  Michael  Angelo. 

My  trust  is  in  the  Cross,  there  lies  my  rest, 

My  fast,  my  sole  delight. 
Let  cold-mouthed  Boreas,  or  the  hot-mouthed  East, 

Blow  till  they  burst  with  spite  ; 
Let  earth  and  hell  conspire  their  worst,  their  best, 

And  join  their  twisted  might ; 
Let  showers  of  thunderbolts  dart  round  and  round  me, 

And  troops  of  fiends  surround  me : 
All  this  may  well  confront ;  all  this  shall  ne'er  confound 

me.  Francis  Quarles. 


158  cross. 


Christ,  when  he  died, 

Denied  the  cross, 
And  on  death's  side, 
Threw  all  the  loss  : 
The  captive  world  awak'd  and  found 
The  prisoners  loose,  the  jailor  bound. 

O  dear  and  sweet  dispute, 

'Twixt  death's  and  love's  far  different  fruit, 

Different  as  far 

As  antidotes  and  poisons  are  : 

By  the  first  fatal  tree, 

Both  life  and  liberty 

Were  sold  and  slain ; 

By  this,  they  both  look  up  and  live  again. 

0  strange  mysterious  strife, 
Of  open  death  and  hidden  life ! 
When  on  the  cross  my  kind  did  bleed, 
Life  seemed  to  die,  death  died  indeed. 

Richard  Crawshaic. 

The  sun  beheld  it — No,  the  shocking  scene 

Drove  back  his  chariot :  midnight  veiled  his  face  ; 

Not  such  as  this  ;  not  such  as  nature  makes  ; 

A  midnight  nature  shuddered  to  behold ; 

A  midnight  new !  a  dread  eclipse  (without 

Opposing  spheres.)  from  her  Creator's  frown ! 

Sun  !  didst  thou  fly  thy  Maker's  pain  ?  or  start 

At  that  enormous  load  of  human  guilt, 

Which  bowed  his  blessed  head ;  o'erwhelmed  his  cross  ; 

Made  groan  the  centre  ;  burst  earth's  marble  womb 

With  pangs,  strange  pangs !  delivered  of  her  dead  ? 

Hell  howled,  and  Heaven  that  hour  let  fall  a  tear; 

Heaven  wept  that  man  might  smile !  Heaven  bled  that 

man 
Might  never  die !  Young. 

My  soul  is  caught : 
Heaven's  sovereign  blessings,  clustering  from  the  cross, 
Rush  on  her  in  a  throng,  and  close  her  round, 
The  prisoner  of  amaze ! — In  his  blessed  life 

1  see  the  path,  and,  in  His  death,  the  price, 
And  in  His  great  ascent,  the  proof  supreme 

Of  immortality.  Young. 


cross.  159 

Man,  know  thyself ;  all  wisdom  centres  there, 
To  none  man  seems  ignoble  but  to  man ; 
Angels  that  grandeur,  men  o'erlook,  admire, 
How  long  shall  human  nature  be  their  book, 
Degenerate  mortal !  and  unread  by  thee  ? 
The  beam  dim  reason  sheds,  shows  wonders  there ; 
What  high  contents  !  illustrious  faculties ! 
But  the  grand  comment  which  displays  at  full 
Our  human  height,  scarce  sever'd  from  divine, 
By  heaven  composed,  was  publish'd  on  the  cross. 

Young. 

There,  where  the  cross  in  hoary  ruin  nods, 

And  weeping  yews  o'ershade  the  lettered  stones ; 
While  midnight  silence  wraps  these  dark  abodes, 

And  soothes  me,  wand'ring  o'er  my  kindred  bones ; 
Let  kindled  fancy  view  the  glorious  morn, 

When  from  the  bursting  graves  the  dust  shall  rise, 
All  nature  smiling  ;  and,  by  angels  borne, 

Messiah's  cross,  far  blazing  o'er  the  skies. 

MicJcle. 

Hear  the  just  law,  the  judgment  of  the  skies  ; 

He  that  hates  truth  shall  be  the  dupe  of  lies ; 

And  he  that  will  be  cheated  to  the  last, 

Delusions  strong  as  hell  shall  bind  him  fast. 

But  if  the  wanderer  his  mistake  discern, 

Judge  his  own  ways,  and  sigh  for  a  return, 

Bewildered  once,  must  he  bewail  his  loss 

For  ever  and  for  ever  ?     No — the  cross  I 

There,  and  there  only,  (though  the  Deist  rave, 

And  Atheist,  if  earth  bear  so  base  a  slave ;) 

There,  and  there  only,  is  the  power  to  save. 

There  no  delusive  hope  invites  despair ; 

No  mockery  meets  you,  no  delusion  there ; 

The  spells  and  charms  that  blinded  you  before, 

All  vanish  there,  and  fascinate  no  more.  Cowper. 

The  cross  once  seen  is  death  to  every  vice : 
Else  He  that  died  there  suffered  all  His  pain, 
Bled,  groaned,  and  agonized,  and  died,  in  vain. 

Cowper. 


160  CROSS. 

Thou  who  for  me  didst  feel  such  pain, 

Whose  precious  blood  the  cross  did  stain, 

Let  not  those  agonies  be  vain.  Roscommon. 

G-uide  me  there,  for  here  I  burn 

To  make  my  Saviour  some  return. 

I'll  rise  (if  that  will  please  thee,  still, 

And  sure  I've  heard  thee  own  it  will ;) 

I'  11  trace  His  steps  and  bear  my  cross, 

Despising  every  grief  and  loss  : 

Since  He,  despising  pain  and  shame, 

First  took  up  His,  and  did  the  same.  Parnell. 

How  blessed  the  man,  how  fully  so, 

As  far  as  man  is  blessed  below, 

Who,  taking  up  his  cross,  essays 

To  follow  Jesus  all  his  days.  Parnell. 

Through  cross  to  crown  !  And,  through  the  spirit's  life, 

Trials  untold  assail  with  giant  strength. 
G-ood  cheer!  good  cheer!     Soon  ends  the  bitter  strife, 
And  thou  shalt  reign,  in  peace,  with  Christ,  at  length. 

Hosegarten. 
Or  if,  at  times,  wild  storms  shall  hover,  dark, 
Still  fix  thy  gaze  upon  that  hallowed  mark 
Which  gilds  the  tempest  with  hope's  bow  divine — 
Cling  to  the  Cross,  and  conquer  in  that  sign. 

B.  D.  Winslow. 
Lovely  was  the  death 
Of  Him  whose  life  was  love !     Holy,  with  power, 
He  on  the  thought-benighted  sceptic  beamed 
Manifest  Godhead.  Coleridge. 

Thou  palsied  earth,  with  noon-day  night  o'erspread  ; 
Thou  sickening  sun,  so  dark,  so  deep,  so  red ! 
Ye  hovering  ghosts,  that  throng  the  starless  air, 
Why  shakes  the  earth  ?  Why  fades  the  light  ?  Declare ! 
Are  those  His  limbs,  with  ruthless  scourges  torn  ? 
His  brows,  all  bleeding  with  the  twisted  thorn  ? 
His  the  pale  form,  the  meek,  forgiving  eye, 
Raised  from  the  cross  in  patient  agony  ? 

Bishop  Heber. 


danger.  161 


DAGGER. 

Vi:  hare  beard  that  it   was  said  by  them  of  old  time,  Thou  .-bait 
not  kill :  and  whosoever  shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment  : 

Hut  1  say  unto  yon,  That   whosoever  is  angry  with  his  brother 
without  a  cause  -'mil  be  in  danger  of  tin-  judgment:  and  whosoever 
say  to  bis  brother,  Raca,  shall  be  in  danger  <A  the  council:  but 
-ill   say,   Thou    fool,  shall   be  in   danger  of  bell  fin-. 
...   v.  21,  22. 

What  is  danger 
More  than  the  weakness  of  our  apprehension  ? 
A  poor  cold  part  o'  the  blood  ;  whom  takes  it  hold  of? 
Cowards  and  wicked  livers  ;  valiant  minds 
Were  made  the  masters  of  it. 

Beaumont  and  Fletcher. 

Dangers  of  every  shape  and  name 

Attend  the  followers  of  the  Lamb. 

Who  leave  the  World's  deceitful  shore, 

And  leave  it  to  return  no  more.  Cowper. 

Dangers  stand  thick  through  all  the  ground 

To  push  us  to  the  tomb, 
And  fierce  diseases  wait  around 

To  hurry  mortals  home. 

Waken,  O  Lord,  our  drowsy  sense 

To  walk  this  dangerous  road, 
And  if  our  souls  be  hurried  hence. 

May  they  be  found  with  God.  lV,r//c 


When  dangers  compass  me  around, 

Ajad  unto  Thee  I  cry. 
An  ark  of  safety  will  be  found, 

Whereto  my  soul  may  fly. 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer's  hand 

Will  be  outstretched  to  Bare, 
If  dangers  meet  me  on  the  land. 

Or  on  the  stormy  wave. 

And  wheresoe'er  my  feet  may  go, 

Though  perilous  the  road. 
My  soul  assured  will  keep,  and  k:. 

That  there  His  feet  have  trod.  Egone. 


162  DARKNESS. 


DAEKNESS. 

IN  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the  earth. 

And  the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void  ;  and  darkness  was  upon 
the  face  of  the  deep. — Genesis,  i.  1,  2. 

Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night  :  wherein  all  the  beasts  of 
the  forest  do  creep  forth. — Psalm  civ.  20. 

The  people  which  sat  in  darkness  saw  great  light ;  and  to  them 
which  sat  in  the  region  and  shadow  of  death  light  is  sprung  up. — 
Matthew,  iv.  16. 

But  the  children  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  cast  out  into  outer  rfark- 
/I'-ss:  there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth.— Matthew,  viii.  12. 

He  here  with  us  to  be 
Forsook  the  courts  of  everlasting  day, 
And  chose  with  us  a  darksome  house  of  mortal  clay. 

Milton. 

When  joy  no  longer  soothes  or  cheers, 

And  even  the  hope  that  threw 
A  moment's  sparkle  o'er  our  tears 

Is  dimm'd  and  vanish'd  too  ! 

O  who  would  bear  life's  stormy  doom, 

Did  not  thy  wing  of  love 
Come  brightly  wafting  through  the  gloom 

One  peace-branch  from  above ! 

Then  sorrow  touched  b}T  thee  grows  bright 

With  more  than  rapture's  ray. 
As  darkness  shows  us  worlds  of  light 

We  never  saw  by  day.  Moore. 

'T  is  gone,  that  bright  and  orbed  blaze. 
Fast  fading  from  our  wistful  gaze  ; 
Yon  mantling  cloud  has  hid  from  sight 
The  last  faint  pulse  of  quivering  light. 

In  darkness  and  in  weariness 
The  traveller  on  his  way  must  press, 
No  gleam  to  watch  on  tree  or  tower, 
Whiling  away  the  lonesome  hour. 

Thou  Framer  of  the  light  and  dark, 

Steer  through  the  tempest  thine  own  ark  : 

Amid  the  howling  wintry  sea 

We  are  in  port  if  we  have  Thee.  Keble. 


DAVID.  163 


DAVID. 

David,  the  son  <>f  Jesse,  t lie  man  who  was  raised  up  on  high,  the 
anointed  of  the  God  of  Jacob,  and  the  sweet  psalmist  of  Israel— II. 
Samuel  xxiii.  1. 

He  chose  David  also  his  >ervant,  and  took  him  from  the  sheep-folds  : 

From  following  the  ewes  great  with  young,  he  brought  him  to  feed 
Jacob  his  people,  and  Israel  his  inheritance.     Psalm  lxxviii.  70,  71. 

I  have  found  David  mj  -en-ant  ;  with  my  holy  oil  have  I  anointed 

him.— Psalm  lxxxix.  'JO. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  ;  for  he  hath  visited  and  redeemed 
his  people, 

And  hath  raised  up  an  horn  of  salvation  for  us  in  the  house  of  his 
servant  David.     Luke,  i.  68,  69. 

For  David  speaketh  concerning  him.  I  foresaw  the  Lord  always 
before  my  face.  -Acts,  ii.  25. 

Beauteous  and  bright  is  he  among  the  tribes  ; 

As  when  the  sun  attired  in  glistering  robe 

Comes  dancing  from  his  oriental  gate, 

And,  bridegroom-like,  hurls  through  the  gloomy  air 

His  radiant  beams  :  such  doth  King  David  show, 

Crowned  with  the  honour  of  his  enemies'  town, 

Shining  in  riches  like  the  firmament, 

The  starry  vault  that  overhangs  the  earth: 

So  looketh  David,  King  of  Israel.  George  Peele. 

See  Judah's  promised  king  bereft  of  all ; 

Driven  out  an  exile  from  the  face  of  Saul. 

To  distant  caves  the  lonely  wanderer  flies, 

To  seek  that  peace  a  tyrant's  frown  denies. 

Hear  the  sweet  accents  of  his  tuneful  voice  ; 

Hear  him,  o'erwhelmed  with  sorrows,  yet  rejoice; 

No  womanish  or  wailing  grief  has  part, 

No,  not  a  moment,  in  his  royal  heart ; 

'T  is  manly  music,  such  as  martyrs  make, 

Suffering  with  gladness  for  a  Saviour's  sake  ; 

His  soul  exults ;  hope  animates  his  lays  ; 

The  sense  of  mercy  kindles  into  praise ; 

And  wilds,  familiar  with  the  lion's  roar, 

Ring  with  ecstatic  sounds  unheard  before.  Cowper. 

And  lo !  the  glories  of  the  illustrious  line 

At  their  first  dawn  with  ripened  splendours  shine, 


164  DAVID. 


In  David  all  expressed ;  the  good,  the  great, 
The  king,  the  hero,  and  the  man,  complete. 
Serene  he  sits,  and  3weeps  the  golden  lyre, 
And  blends  the  prophet's  with  the  poet's  fire. 
See,  with  what  art  he  strikes  the  vocal  strings 
The  God,  his  theme,  inspiring  what  he  sings ! 

Bishop  Lowth. 

Thy  living  lyre  alone,  whose  dulcet  sounds 

In  gentlest  murmurs  floating  on  the  air, 

Could  calm  the  fury  of  the  woe-struck  king, 

And  soothe  the  agony  which  pierced  his  heart. 

Or  when  thou  swept  the  master  strings,  and  rolled'st 

The  deep  impetuous  tide  along  with  more 

Than  mortal  sound,  could'st  raise  his  raptured  soul 

To  ecstacy ;  or  from  the  tortured  strings 

Harsh  discord  shaking,  sink  him  in  the  gulf 

Of  dire  despair,  while  horror  chilled  his  blood, 

And  from  each  pore  the  agonizing  sweat 

Distilled !  that  deep -toned  lyre  alone  can  sing 

Thy  fervent  piety,  thy  glowing  zeal. 

William  Hodson. 

One  struggle  of  might,  and  the  giant  of  Gath 
With  a  crash  like  the  oak  in  the  hurricane's  path, 
And  a  clangour  of  arms,  as  of  hosts  in  the  fray, 
At  the  feet  of  the  stripling  of  Ephratah  lay. 

A  hush  of  amazement : — a  calm  as  of  death, 

When  the  watcher   lists  long   for  that   spasm-drawn 

breath, 
Then  a  shout  like  the  roll  of  artillery  rose, 
And  the  armies  of  Israel  swept  on  to  their  foes. 

For  a  space  the  Philistine  had  paused,  as  in  doubt, 
Ere  the  Israelite  triumph  rang  gloriously  out ; 
Then,  scattering  his  arms  on  the  mountains,  he  fled, 
Till  the  valley  of  Elah  was  strewn  with  the  dead. 

The  carnage  moved  on,  and  alone  in  the  vale, 
The  Shepherd  knelt  down  by  the  dead  in  his  mail. 
And  there,  with  his  arm  on  that  still  reeking  sword, 
Poured  forth  his  thanksgiving  in  prayer  to  the  Lord. 

A  non. 


DAY.  105 


DAY. 

An»  God  called  the  light  day.— Genesis,  i.  ■>. 

The  day  of  the  Lord  is  great  and  very  terrible  ;  and  who  can  abide 
it  V— Joel,  ii.  11. 

But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man,  no,  not  the  angels  of 
heaven,  but  my  Father  only.— Matthew,  xxiv.  36. 

The  dayspring  from  on  high  hatli  visited  us.— Luke,  i.  78. 

Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time;  behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salva- 
tion.— II.  Corinthians,  vi.  '2. 

How  many  hours  bring  about  the  day  ? 

How  many  days  will  finish  up  the  year  ?        Shakspere. 

The  breath  of  heaven,  blowing  pure  and  sweet, 
With  dayspring  born,  here  leaves  us  to  respire. 

Milton. 
Yet  are  we  able  only  to  survey 
Dawnings  of  beams,  and  promises  of  day. 

Prior. 
Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 

Salutes  my  waking  eyes  ; 
Once  more,  my  voice,  thy  tribute  pay 
To  Him  that  rules  the  skies. 

Night  unto  night  His  name  repeats, 

The  day  renews  the  sound, 
Wide  as  the  heaven  on  which  he  sits, 

To  turn  the  seasons  round.  Watts. 

See,  where  the  falling  day 
In  silence  steals  away, 

Behind  the  western  hills  withdrawn  ; 
Her  fires  are  quench'd,  her  beauty  fled, 
With  blushes  all  her  face  o'erspread, 

As  conscious  she  had  ill  fulfill'd 

The  promise  of  the  dawn. 

Another  morning  soon  shall  rise, 
Another  day  salute  our  eyes, 
As  smiling  and  as  fair  as  she, 
And  make  as  many  promises  : 

But  do  not  thou 

The  tale  believe. 

They  're  sisters  all, 

And  all  deceive.  Barbauld. 


166  DAY. 

Sudden  in  the  sky 
Stands  the  great  sun !     Like  the  first  glorious  breath 

Of  Freedom  to  the  slave,  like  Hope  upon 
The  hush  of  woe,  or  through  the  mists  of  death 

The  pardoning  Angel — comes  to  earth  the  Sun. 
Ice  still  on  land — still  vapour  in  the  air, 
But  Light — the  victor  Lord — but  Light  is  there ! 

On  siege-worn  cities,  when  their  war  is  spent, 
From  the  far  hill  as  gleam  on  gleam,  arise 

The  spears  of  some  great  aiding  armament, 

Grow  the  dim  splendours,  broadening  up  the  skies ; 

Till,  bright  and  brighter,  the  sublime  array 

Flings  o'er  the  world  the  banners  of  the  Day  ! 

Sir  E.  Bulwer  Lytton. 

That  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away ; 
What  power  shall  be  the  sinner's  stay  ? 
How  will  ye  meet  that  dreadful  day  ? 

When  shrivelling  like  a  parched  scroll, 
The  flaming  heavens  together  roll ; 
When  louder  yet,  and  yet  more  dread, 
Swells  the  high  trump  that  wakes  the  dead. 

O  !  on  that  day,  that  wrathful  day, 
When  man  to  judgment  wakes  from  clay  ; 
Be  Thou  the  trembling  sinner's  stay, 
Though  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 

Scott. 

Oh !  day  of  days !  shall  hearts  set  free, 
No  "minstrel  rapture"  find  for  thee? 
Thou  art  the  Sun  of  other  days, 
They  shine  by  giving  back  thy  rays  : 

Enthroned  in  thy  sovereign  sphere, 
Thou  shedd'st  thy  light  on  all  the  year, 
Sundays  by  thee  more  glorious  break, 
An  Easter  day  in  every  week. 

And  week  days  following  in  their  train, 

The  fullness  of  thy  blessing  gain, 

Till  all,  both  resting  and  employ, 

Be  one  Lord's  day  of  holy  joy.  Keble. 


DEATH.  167 


DEATH. 

LET  me  die  the  iUath  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end  be  like 
hi>:     Numbers,   wiii.  10. 

Bur  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  should  I   mat?     Can   I   bring  him 
back  again?     I  BhaU  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return   to  me 
11.  Bamuel,  xii.  23. 

What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see 
liver  his  soul  from  the  hand  of  the  grave?     Psalm  Lxa 

Preotons  In  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  lli>  saint?.-  Psalm 
crvi  15. 

We  p  u  not  for  the  dead,  neither  bemoan  him:  but  weep  sore  for 
him  that  goetb  away:  for  he  BhaU  return  no  more,  norseehia  native 
country.— Jeremiah,  xxii.  10. 

.  ,.  where  is  thy  sting?  0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory? 

The  sting  of  death  is  sin;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law. 

But  thanks  be  to  God.  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ     I.  Corinthians,  xv.  55,  •"»:.  ">7. 

But  1  would  not  have  you  to  In-  ignorant,  brethren,  concernin<-r  them 
which  an  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  nut.  even  as  others  which  have  no 
hope. 

For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  roa  agai  i.  even  so  them  also 
Which  3kep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  1  im.  I.  Thessalonians.  iv. 
IS,   11. 

Porasmucfa  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood.  He 
also  htmarff  likewise  to<ik  part  of  the  same:  that  through  death  He 
might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  il.nth.  that  is,  the  devil 

And  deliver  them  who  through  fear  of  death  were  all  their  lifetime 
subject   to   bandage.      Hebrews,  ii.  14,  1;">. 

rhicfa  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth:  Yea. 
saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours;  and  their 
work-  do  follow  them.     Revelations,  xiv.  13. 


Ah,  but  to  die,  and  go  we  know  not  where ; 
To  lie  in  cold  obstruction,  and  to  rot ; 
This  sensible  warm  motion  to  become 
A  kneaded  clod  ;  and  the  delighted  spirit 
To  bathe  in  fiery  floods,  or  to  reside 
In  thrilling  regions  of  thick-ribbed  ice  : 
To  be  imprison'd  in  the  viewless  winds, 
And  blown  with  restless  violence  round  about 
The  pendant  world  ;  or  to  be  worse  than  worst 
Of  those,  that  lawless  and  uncertain  thoughts 
Imagine  howling  !  't  is  too  horrible  ! 
The  weariest  and  most  loathed  worldly  life 
That  age,  ache,  penury,  imprisonment, 
Can  lay  on  nature,  is  a  paradise 
To  what  we  fear  of  death.  Shakspere. 


168  DEATH. 


O  harmless  Death  !  whom  still  the  valiant  brave, 

The  wise  expect,  the  sorrowful  invite  ; 
And  all  the  good  embrace.,  who  know  the  Grave, 

A  short  dark  passage  to  eternal  light. 

Sir  W.  Davenant . 

This  world  death's  region  is,  the  other,  life's  : 
And  here  it  should  be  one  of  our  first  strifes, 
So  to  front  death,  as  each  might  judge  us  past  it : 
For  good  men  but  see  death,  the  others  taste  it. 

Ben  Jbnson. 

The  glories  of  our  birth  and  state 

Are  shadows,  not  substantial  things  ; 
There  is  no  armour  against  fate  : 
Death  lays  his  icy  hands  on  kings  : 
Sceptre  and  crown 
Must  tumble  down, 
And  in  the  dust  be  equal  made 
With  the  poor  crooked  scythe  and  spade. 

Some  men  with  swords  may  reap  the  field, 
And  plant  fresh  laurels  where  they  kill ; 
But  their  strong  nerves  at  last  must  yield, 
They  tame  but  one  another  still. 
Early  or  late 
They  stoop  to  fate, 
And  must  give  up  their  murmuring  breath, 
When  they,  pale  captives,  creep  to  death. 

The  garlands  wither  on  your  brow, 

Then  boast  no  more  your  mighty  deeds, 
Upon  death's  purple  altar  now 

See  where  the  victor  victim  bleeds : 
All  heads  must  come 
To  the  cold  tomb : 
Only  the  actions  of  the  just 
Smell  sweet,  and  blossom  in  the  dust.  Shirley. 

He  patient  show'd  us  the  wise  course  to  steer, 
A  candid  censor,  and  a  friend  sincere  ; 
He  taught  us  how  to  live  ;  and  (Oh  !  too  high 
The  price  of  knowledge,)  taught  us  how  to  die. 

Ticlcell. 


DEATH.  169 

That  I  must  die,  it  is  my  only  comfort ; 

Death  is  the  privilege  of  human  nature. 

And  life  without  it  were  not  worth  our  taking  j 

Thither  the  poor,  the  prisoner,  and  the  mourner, 

Fly  for  relief,  and  lay  their  burdens  down. 

Come  then,  and  take  me  into  thy  cold  arms, 

Thou  meagre  shade  ;  here  let  me  breathe  my  last . 

Charmed  with  my  Father's  pity  and  forgiveness, 

More  than  if  angels  tuned  their  golden  viols, 

And  sung  a  requiem  to  my  parting  soul.  Ruive. 

Death  comes  with  irrespective  feet 

And  beats  upon  the  door, 
That  shuts  the  palace  of  the  great, 

The  cabin  of  the  poor.        Howell,  from  Horace. 

And  since  'tis  certain  then  that  we  must  die, 
No  hope,  no  chance,  no  prospect  of  redress  ; 
Be  it  our  constant  aim,  unswervingly, 
To  tread  God's  narrow  path  of  holiness  : 
For  He  is  first,  last,  midst — O,  let  us  press 
Onwards — and  when  death's  monitory  glance 
Shall  summon  us  to  join  his  mortal  dance, 
Even  then  shall  hope  and  joy  our  footsteps  bless. 

From  the  Spanish  of  R.  de  Carrion. 

I  fled  and  cried  out  Death — 
Hell  trembled  at  the  hideous  name,  and  sighed 
From  all  her  caves,  and  back  resounded  Death. 

Milton. 
Thou  dost,  O  Death,  a  peaceful  harbour  lie 
Upon  the  margin  of  Eternity; 
Where  the  rough  waves  of  Time's  impetuous  tide 
Their  motion  lose,  and  quietly  subside. 
Weary,  they  roll  their  drowsy  heads  asleep 
At  the  dark  entrance  of  Duration's  deep. 
Hither  our  vessels  in  their  turn  retreat ; 
Here  still  they  find  a  safe  untroubled  seat, 
When  worn  with  adverse  passions,  furious  strife, 
And  the  hard  passage  of  tempestuous  life. 

Blackmore 


170  DEATH. 


Dear,  beauteous  Death,  the  jewel  of  the  just, 

Shining  nowhere  but  in  the  dark, 
What  mysteries  do  lie  beyond  thy  dust, 

Could  man  outlook  that  mark! 
He  that  hath  found  some  fledg'd  bird's  nest  may  know 

At  first  sight,  if  the  bird  be  flown ; 
But  what  fair  field  or  grove  he  sings  in  now, 

That  is  to  him  unknown.  Henry   Vaughun. 

The  man,  how  wise,  who,  sick  of  gaudy  scenes, 
Is  led  by  choice  to  take  his  favourite  walk 
Beneath  death's  gloomy,  silent  cypress  shades, 
Unpierced  by  vanity's  fantastic  ray ! 
To  read  his  monuments,  to  weigh  his  dust, 
Visit  his  vaults,  and  dwell  among  the  tombs ! 

Young. 

Why  should  man's  high  aspiring  mind 

Burn  in  him,  with  so  proud  a  breath  : 
When  all  his  haughty  views  can  find 

In  this  world,  yields  to  death  ; 
The  fair,  the  brave,  the  vain,  the  wise, 

The  rich,  the  poor,  the  great,  and  small, 
Are  each,  but  worm's  anatomies, 

To  strew  his  quiet  hall. 

Power  may  make  many  earthly  gods, 

Where  gold,  and  bribery's  guilt,  prevails  ; 
But  death's  unwelcome  honest  odds, 

Kicks  o'er  the  unequal  scales. 
The  flatter'd  great,  may  clamours  raise 

Of  power, — and  their  own  weakness  hide  ;     ■ 
But  death  shall  find  unlooked-for  ways 

To  end  the  farce  of  pride. 

Death  levels  all  things,  in  his  march 

Nought  can  resist  his  mighty  strength ; 
The  palace  proud, — triumphal  arch, 

Shall  mete  their  shadow's  length  : 
The  rich,  the  poor,  one  common  bed 

Shall  find,  in  the  unhonoured  grave, 
Where  weeds  shall  crown  alike  the  head 

Of  tyrant,  and  of  slave.  Andrew  Marvell. 


DEATH.  171 

The  prince,  who  kept  the  world  in  awe, 

The  judge,  whose  dictate  fix'd  the  law, 

The  rich,  the  poor,  the  great,  the  small, 

Are  levell'd :  death  confounds  them  all.  G<*y- 

There  was,  't  is  said,  and  I  believe,  a  time 
When  humble  christians  died  with  views  sublime  ; 
When  all  were  ready  for  their  faith  to  bleed, 
And  few  to  write  or  wrangle  for  their  creed  ; 
When  lively  faith  upheld  the  sinking  heart, 
And  friends  assured  to  meet  prepared  to  part ; 
When  love  felt  hope,  when  sorrow  grew  serene, 
And  all  felt  comfort  in  the  death-bed.  scene. 

Crabbe. 

On  this  side,  and  on  that,  men  see  their  friends 

Drop  off,  like  leaves  in  autumn ;  yet  launch  out 

Into  fantastic  schemes,  which  the  long-livers, 

In  the  world's  hale  and  degenerate  days, 

Could  scarce  have  leisure  for :  fools  that  we  are ! 

Never  to  think  of  death,  and  of  ourselves, 

At  the  same  time !     As  if,  to  learn  to  die, 

Were  no  concern  of  ours  !  Blair. 


Sweet  day,  so  cool,  so  calm,  so  bright, 

Bridal  of  earth  and  sky, 
The  dew  shall  weep  thy  fall  to-night, 

For  thou,  alas !  must  die  ! 

Sweet  rose,  in  air  whose  odours  wave, 

And  colour  charms  the  eye, 
Thy  root  is  ever  in  its  grave, 

And  thou,  alas  !  must  die  ! 

Sweet  spring,  of  days  and  roses  made. 

Whose  charms  for  beauty  vie  ; 
Thy  days  depart,  thy  roses  fade — 

Thou,  too,  alas !  must  die  1 

Be  wise,  then,  christian,  while  you  may, 

For  swiftly  time  is  flying ; 
The  thoughtless  man  may  laugh  to-day. 

To-morrow  may  be  dying  !  Bishop  Home, 


172  DEATH. 


Death  distant ! — no  alas  !  lie 's  ever  with  us, 
And  shakes  the  dart  at  us  in  all  our  actings ; 
He  lurks  within  our  cup,  while  we  're  in  health ; 
Sits  by  our  sick-bed,  mocks  our  medicines ; 
We  cannot  walk,  or  sit,  or  ride,  or  travel, 
But  death  is  by  to  seize  us  when  he  lists. 

Sir  Walter  Scott. 

Since  we  can  die  but  once,  and  after  death 

Our  state  no  alteration  knows, 
But  when  we  have  resign'd  our  breath, 

Th'  immortal  spirit  goes 
To  endless  joys,  or  everlasting  woes  ; 
Wise  is  the  man  who  labours  to  secure 

That  mighty  and  important  stake  ; 
And  by  all  methods  strives  to  make 
His  passage  safe,  and  his  reception  sure. 

J.   Pomfret. 
Death  rides  on  every  passing  breeze, 

He  lurks  in  every  flower ; 
Each  season  has  its  own  disease, 

Its  perils  every  hour  ! 
Our  eyes  have  seen  the  rosy  light 

Of  youth's  soft  cheek  decay, 
And  fate  descend  in  sudden  night 

On  manhood's  middle  day.  Heber. 

Death 's  but  a  path  that  must  be  trod, 

If  man  would  ever  pass  to  God ; 

A  port  of  calms,  a  state  to  ease 

From  the  rough  rage  of  swelling  seas.  Pimell. 

Happy  the  babe,  who,  privileged  by  fate 
To  shorter  labour,  and  a  lighter  weight, 
Received  but  yesterday  the  gift  of  breath, 
Ordered  to-morrow  to  return  to  Death.  Prior. 

Leaves  have  their  time  to  fall, 
And  flowers  to  wither  at  the  north  wind's  breath, 

And  stars  to  set — but  all, 
Thou  hast  all  seasons  for  thine  own,  O  Death  ! 

Mrs.  Remans. 


DEATH.  173 

O  what  is  Death]     Tis  life's  last  shore. 
Where  vanities  are  vain  no  more ! 
Where  all  pursuits  their  goal  obtain, 
And  life  is  all  retouched  again  ; 
Where,  in  their  bright  results,  shall  rise 
Thought,  virtues,  friendships,  griefs,  and  joys. 

Leigh  Richmond. 

Cold  hand,  I  touch  thee  !     Perished  friend  !  I  know 
What  years  of  mutual  joy  are  gone  with  thee  ; 

And  yet  from  those  benumbed  remains  there  flow 
Calm  thoughts,  that  best  with  chastened  hopes  agree. 

How  strange  is  Death  to  life !  and  yet  how  sure 
The  law  which  dooms  all  living  things  to  die! 
Whate'er  is  outward  cannot  long  endure, 
And  all  that  lasts,  eludes  the  subtlest  eye. 

John  Sterling. 
Ere  sin  could  blight,  or  sorrow  fade, 

Death  came  with  friendly  care, 
The  opening  bud  to  Heaven  conveyed, 

And  bade  it  blossom  there.  Coleridge. 

O  Death  !  Thou  great  invisible, 

Pale  monarch  of  the  unending  Past, 
Who  shall  th)T  countless  trophies  tell. 

Or  when  shall  be  thy  last! 
By  thee  high  thrones  to  earth  are  flung — 

By  thee  the    sword  and  sceptre  rust — 
By  thee  the  beautiful  and  young 

Lie  mouldering  in  the  dust. 
Into  thy  cold  and  faded  reign 

All  glorious  things  of  earth  depart ; 
The  fairest  forms  are  early  slain. 

And  quenched  the  fiery  heart. 
But  in  yon  world  thou  hast  not  been, 

Where  joy  can  fade,  nor  beauty  fall : 
O,  mightiest  of  the  things  unseen. 

Save  One  that  ruleth  all !  Geo.  H.  Colton. 

To  die  is  landing  on  some  peaceful  shore, 
Where  billows  never  beat,  nor  tempests  roar, 
Ere  well  we  feel  the  friendly  stroke  't  is  o'er. 

Garth. 


174  DEATH. 


The  air  of  death  breathes  through  our  souls, 

The  dead  all  round  us  lie; 
By  day  and  night  the  death-heW.  tolls, 

And  says,  "Prepare  to  die!" 
The  loving  ones  we  love  the  best, 

Like  music  all  are  gone  ! 
And  the  wan  moonlight  bathes  in  rest 

Their  monumental  stone. 
But  not  when  the  death  -prayer  is  said, 

The  life  of  life  departs  ; 
The  body  in  the  grave  is  laid, 

Its  beauty  in  our  hearts.  Professor  Wilson. 

Sleep  on,  sleep  on,  ye  resting  dead  ; 

The  grass  is  o'er  ye  growing 
In  dewy  greenness.     Ever  fled 
From  you  hath  Care ;  and  in  its  stead 
Peace  hath  with  you  its  dwelling  made, 

Where  tears  do  cease  from  flowing — 

Sleep  on !     Robert  Nicol. 

All  at  rest  now — all  dust ! — wave  flows  on  wave; 
But  the  sea  dries  not ! — what  to  us  the  grave  ? 
It  brings  no  real  homily ;  we  sigh, 
Pause  for  awhile  and  murmur,  "all  must  die  !" 
Then  rush  to  pleasure,  action,  sin  once  more, 
Swell  the  loud  tide,  and  fret  unto  the  shore. 

Sir  E.  Bulwer  Lytton. 

Ah  !  it  is  sad  when  one  thus  link'd  departs ! 
When  Death,  that  mighty  sev'rer  of  true  hearts, 
Sweeps  through  the  halls  so  lately  loud  in  mirth, 
And  leaves  pale  Sorrow  weeping  by  the  hearth ! 

Mrs.  Norton. 
So  live,  that  when  thy  summons  comes, 
The  innumerable  caravan  that  moves 
To  that  mysterious  realm,  where  each  shall  take 
His  chamber  in  the  silent  halls  of  death, 
That  thou,  sustained  and  soothed,  approach  thy  grave 
Like  one  who  wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
Around  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 


DEFENCE.  175 


DEFENCE. 

r.K  thou  my  strong  rock,  for  an  house  of  defence  to  save  me.-  Piafan 
xxxi.  2. 

Denver  me  from  my  enemies,  O  my  God  :    defend  me  from  them 
that  ris<'  up  against  me. — Psalm  lix.  1. 

Who  trust  in  thee,  O  let  not  shame  deject ! 

Thou  ever  just,  my  chased  soule  secure : 
Lord  lend  a  willing  eare,  with  speede  protect ; 

Be  thou  my  rock ;  with  thy  strong  arme  immure. 
My  rock,  my  fortresse,  for  thy  honour  aid, 

And  my  engaged  feet  from  danger  guide, 
Pull  from  their  subtile  snares  in  secret  laid, 

O  thou,  my  only  strength,  so  often  try'd. 
O  let  thy  face  upon  thy  servant  shine ; 

Save  for  thy  mercies  sake,  from  shame  defend. 
Shame  cover  those  who  keepe  no  lawes  of  thine, 

And  undeplored  to  the  grave  descend !  Sandys. 

How  are  thy  servants  blest  O  Lord ! 

How  sure  is  their  defence  ! 
Eternal  wisdom  is  their  guide, 

Their  help  omnipotence. 
In  midst  of  dangers,  fears,  and  death, 

Thy  goodness  I  '11  adore  ; 
And  praise  thee  for  thy  mercies  past, 

And  humbly  hope  for  more. 
My  life,  if  thou  preserv'st  my  life, 

Thy  sacrifice  shall  be  ; 
And  death,  if  death  must  be  my  doom, 

Shall  join  my  soul  to  Thee.  Addison. 

From  common  accidents  of  life 

His  care  shall  guard  thee  still ; 
From  the  blind  strokes  of  chance,  and  foes 

That  lie  in  wait  to  kill. 
At  home,  abroad,  in  peace,  in  war, 
Thy  God  shall  thee  defend  ; 
Conduct  thee,  through  life's  pilgrimage, 

Safe  to  thy  journey's  end. 

Brady  and  Tate. 


176 


DELIGHT. 

DELIGHT  thyself  also  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  shall  give  thee  the  desire 
of  thine  heart. —Psalm  xxxvii.  4. 

Then  I  was  by  him,  as  one  brought  up  with  him ;  and  I  was  daily 
his  delight,  rejoicing  always  before  him;  rejoicing  in  the  habitable 
part  of  his  earth;  and  my  delights  were  with  the  suns  of  men.  - 
Proverbs,  viii.  30,  31. 

Correct  thy  son,  and  he  shall  give  thee  rest ;  yea,  he  shall  give 
d-elight  unto  thy  soul.-  Proverbs,  xxix.  17. 

•  O  voice  !  once  beard 
Delightfully,  increase  and  multiply  ; 
Now  death  to  him.  Milton. 

Holy  and  reverend  is  the  name 

Of  our  Eternal  King  : 
Thrice  holy  Lord !  the  angels  cry  ; 

Thrice  holy  let  us  sing. 

Holy  is  He  in  all  His  works, 

And  truth  is  His  delight ! 
But  sinners  and  their  wicked  ways, 

Shall  perish  from  His  sight.  Need  ham. 

And  was  the  day  of  my  delight 

As  pure  and  perfect  as  I  say  ? 

Wo  know  the  very  Lord  of  Day 
Is  dash'd  with  wandering  isles  of  night. 

If  all  was  good  and  fair  we  met, 

This  earth  had  been  a  paradise : 

It  never  look'd  to  human  eyes 
Since  Adam  left  his  garden  yet.  Tennyson. 

Amid  a  round  of  vain  delights  he  lived, 

And  took  his  fill  of  pleasure;  never  thought 

That  life  had  higher  objects,  nobler  aims 

Than  just  to  eat,  and  drink,  and  pass  away 

The  precious  hours  in  revelry  and  mirth. 

Born  to  a  priceless  heritage,  he  went 

Down  to  his  grave,  and  knew  it  not,  and  all 

The  everlasting  pleasures  and  delights 

Of  heaven  he  forfeited — great  loss  was  his  !  Egonc. 


DELIVERANCE.  17' 


DELIVERANCE. 

CHOI     art   iny   K  :    command    deliverances  for  Jacob. — 

l'silin  xliv.  A. 

Deliver  me.  0  my  God,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked,  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel  man.— Psalm  lxxi.  4. 

Ah  1  it  Bhall  come  to  pass,  that  whosoever  shall  call  on  the  name 
of  the  Lord  shall  be  delivered:  for  in  Mount  Zion  and  in  Jerusalem 
shall  be  deliverance,  as  the  Lord  hath  said. — JoeL  ii.  Si. 

spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  because  he  hath  anointed  me  to 
bo  the  poor ;   he  hath  sent  me  to  heal  the  broken - 

■    the  captives,  and  recovering  of  sidit 
to  the  blind,  to  set  at  libertv  them  that  are  bruised.— Luke.  iv.  18. 


Break  off  your  tear?,  ye  saints,  and  tell 

How  high  our  great  Deliverer  reigns  ; 
Sing  how  He  spoiled  the  hosts  of  hell. 

And  led  the  monster,  Death,  in  chains,  JVatts. 

Lord,  I  have  put  my  trust  in  Thee, 

Torn  not  my  confidence  to  shame  ; 
Thy  prom u  ik  to  me. 

A  tower  of  refuge  is  Thy  name. 

Thou  hast  upheld  me  from  the  womb  ; 

Thou  wert  my  strength  and  hope  in  youth; 
Now,  trembling,  bending  o'er  the  tomb, 

T  lean  upon  Thine  arm  of  truth. 

Cast  me  not  off  in  mine  old  age, 

Forsake  me  not  in  my  last  hour ; 
The  foe  hath  not  forgone  his  rage, 

The  lion  ravens  to  devour. 

Me,  through  what  troubles  hast  Thou  brought ! 

Me,  with  what  consolations  crown'd! 
Xow  be  Thy  last  deliverance  wrought : 
My  soul  in  peace  with  Thee  be  found ! 

J.  Montg 
Open  now  the  crystal  fountain, 

"Whence  the  healing  streams  do  flow  ; 
Let  the  fiery  cloudy  pillar 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through  : 
Strong  Deliverer, 
Be  thou  still  my  strength  and  shield.  Oliver. 


178  DELUSIONS 


DELUSIONS. 

I  also  will  choose  their  delusions,  and  will  bring  their  fears  upon 
them  ;  because  when  I  called,  none  did  answer ;  when  I  spake,  they  did 
not  hear  :  but  they  did  evil  before  mine  eyes,  and  chose  that  in  which 
I  delighted  not. — Isaiah.  Ixvi.  4. 

God  shall  send  them  strong  delusion,  that  they  should  believe  a  lie. — 
II.  Thessalonians,  ii.  11. 

Who  therefore  seeks  in  these 
True  wisdom,  finds  her  not,  or  by  delusion.         Milton. 

Dreams  and  delusions  play 
With  man :  he  thinks  not  of  his  mortal  fate : 
Death  treads  his  silent  way  ; 
The  earth  turns  round,  and  then,  too  late. 
Man  finds  no  beam  is  left  of  all  his  fancied  state. 

Rise  from  your  sleep,  vain  men ! 
Look  round,  and  ask  if  spirits  born  of  Heaven. 
And  bound  to  Heaven  again, 
Were  only  lent  or  given 
To  be  in  this  mean  round  of  shades  and  follies  driven. 

Turn  your  unclouded  eye 
Up  to  yon  bright,  to  yon  eternal  spheres  : 
And  spurn  the  vanity 
Of  time's  delusive  years, 
And  all  its  flattering  hopes,  and  all  its  frowning  fears. 

What  is  the  ground  ye  tread 
But  a  mere  point  compared  with  that  vast  space 
Around,  above  you  spread — 
Where,  in  the  Almighty's  face, 
The  present,  future,  past,  hold  an  eternal  place  ? 

From  the  Spanish  of  Luis  Ponce  de  Leon. 

We  walk  amid  delusions  here, 

Our  joys  are  unsubstantial  things. 
Though  glorious  our  dreams  appear, 

They  have  their  quick  evanishings  ; 
They  cheat  the  sense,  with  vain  pretence, 

The  heart  that  on  them  leans  deceive  ; 
Delusive  all,  they  rise  and  fall, 

And  nought  but  sad  remembrance  leave.  Egone. 


DENIAL.  179 


DENIAL. 

Whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men,  him  will  I  also  doty  I 
my   Father  which  is  in  heaven.     Matthew,  X.  88. 

Peter  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Though  all  men  shall  be  offended 
because  of  thee,  yet  will  I  never  be  offended. 

Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  onto  thee,  that  this  night,  before 
the  cock  crow,  thou  shalt  deny  me  thrice. 

Peter  said  unto  hirn,  Though  I  should  die  with  thee,  yet  will  I 
not  deny  thee.  Likewise  al>()  said  all  the  disciple-;.  Matthew,  xxvi. 
S3,  84,  35. 

I  think  that  look  of  Christ  might  seem  to  say  : — 
"Thou,  Peter!  art  thou  then  a  common  stone, 
Which  I  at  last  must  break  my  heart  upon, 
For  all  God's  charge  to  His  high  angels  may 
Guard  my  foot  better  ?     Did  I  yesterday 
Wash  my  feet,  my  beloved,  that  they  should  ru.i 
Quick  to  deny  me,  'neath  the  morning  sun, — 
And  do  thy  kisses,  like  the  rest,  betray  ? 
The  cock  crows  coldly, — Go,  and  manifest 
A  late  contrition,  but  no  bootless  fear ! 
For  when  thy  deathly  need  is  bitterest, 
Thou  shalt  not  be  denied,  as  I  am  here — 
My  voice  to  God  and  angels  shall  attest, — 
'Because  I  know  this  man  let  him  go  clear.'" 

Elizabeth  Barrett. 

She  in  her  Saviour's  ranks  had  done 
A  veteran's  service,  and  with  Polycarp 
Might  say  to  Death,  ''For  more  than  fourscore  years 
He  was  my  Lord — shall  I  deny  Him  now  ?" 
No !  no !  thou  could'st  not  turn  away  from  Him 
Who  was  thy  hope  in  youth,  and  on  whose  arm 
The  feebleness  of  hoary  hairs  were  staid. 
Before  His  Father,  and  the  Angel  host, 
He  will  adjudge  thee  faithful.     So  farewell, 
Blessed  and  full  of  days.  Mrs.  Sigoumey. 

Numbers  before  have  try'd, 

And  found  the  promise  true  ; 
Nor  yet  one  been  deny'd, 
Then  why  should  I  or  you  ? 
Let  us  by  faith  our  footsteps  trace, 
And  hasten  to  the  throne  of  grace.         John  Newton. 


180  DESIEE. 


DESIRE— DESIRES. 

LORD,  all  my  desire  is  before  thee  ;  and  my  groaning  is  not  hid 
from  thee.— Psalm  xxxviii.  9. 

And  I  will  shake  all  nations,  and  the  desire  of  all  nations  shall 
come :  and  I  will  fill  this  house  with  glory,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
ii.  7. 


For  I  am  in  a  strait   betwixt   two,  having   a  desire  to  depart,  and 
to  be  with  Christ ;  which  is  far  better. — Philippians,  i.  23. 

But  our  desires'  tyrannical  extortion 

Doth  force  us  there  to  set  our  chief  delightfulness, 

When  but  a  baiting-place  is  all  our  portion. 

Sir  P.  Sidney. 

Thou  blind  man's  mark  ;  thou  fool's  self-chosen  snare, 
Eond  fancy's  scum,  and  dregs  of  scatter'd  thought ; 
Band  of  all  evils ;  cradle  of  causeless  care ; 
Thou  web  of  ill,  whose  end  is  never  wrought, 
Desire  !  Desire  I  I  have  too  dearly  bought, 
With  price  of  mangled  mind  thy  worthless  ware  ; 
Too  long,  too  long,  asleep  thou  hast  me  brought, 
Who  should'st  my  mind  to  higher  things  prepare. 

Sir  P.  Sidney. 
Desire  's  the  vast  extent  of  human  mind, 
It  mounts  above,  and  leaves  poor  hope  behind. 

Dry  den. 
How  large  are  our  desires  I  and  yet  how  few 
Events  are  answerable  !     So  the  dew, 
Which  early  on  the  top  of  mountains  stood, 
Meaning,  at  least,  to  imitate  a  flood; 
When  once  the  sun  appears,  appears  no  more, 
And  leaves  that  parch'd  which  was  too  moist  before. 

Gomersall. 
Sages  leave  your  contemplations, 

Brighter  visions  beam  afar ; 
Seek  the  great  Desire  of  nations, 
Ye  have  seen  its  natal  star ; 
Come  and  worship, 
Worship  Christ  the  new-born  King. 

J.  Montgomery. 
The  desire  of  the  moth  for  the  star — 

Of  the  night  for  the  morrow — 
The  devotion  to  somethig  afar 

From  the  sphere  of  our  sorrow.  Shelley. 


DESOLATION.  181 


DESOLATION. 

BE  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear,  neither  of  the  desolation  of  the 
wicked,  when  it  cometh. — Proverbs,  1  ii-  25. 

And  what  will  ye  do  in  the  day  of  visitation,  and  in  the  desolation 
which  shall  come  from  Ear?  to  whom  will  ye  flee  for  help?  and 
where  will  ye  leave  your  glory  V— Isaiah,  x.  8. 

O  my  God,  incline  thine  «.ar.  and  hear:  open  thine  eyes  and  behold 
our  desolations,  and  the  citv  which  is  called  bv  thy  name. — Daniel. 
ix.  18. 

How  is  Babvlon  become  a  desolation  among  the  nations: — Jeremiah. 

Let  us  seek  some  desolate  shades,  and  there 
Weep  our  sad  bosoms  empty.  Shakcspere. 

My  desolation  does  begin  to  make 

A  better  life.  Shakespere. 

God  hath  created  nights 
As  well  as  days  to  deck  the  varied  globe  ; 
Grace  comes  as  oft  clad  in  the  dusky  robe 
Of  desolation,  as  in  white  attire.  John  Beaumont. 

'T  is  well  to  be  a  mourner,  well  to  feel 

My  glad  hope  die; 
And  sicken  at  the  tears  that  daily  steal 

O'er  the  dimmed  eye. 
If  this  strong  desolation  should  reveal 

Where  my  sins  lie.  JE.  L.  Montaquc. 

I  sometimes  deem  their  pleasant  smiles 

Still  on  me  sweetly  fall, 
Their  tones  of  love  I  faintly  hear 

My  name  in  sadness  call. 
I  know  that  they  are  happy 

With  their  angel  plumage  on, 
But  my  heat  is  very  desolate, 

To  think  that  they  are  gone. 

Park  Benjamin. 

But  this  was  like  those  sudden  blasts  that 
Unlook'd  for,  wonder  on  the  face  of  spring; 
And  worst  woe  for  the  heart,  whose  early  fate 
Leaves  it  so  young,  and,  oh,  so  desolate. 

Miss  Landon. 


182  DESTRUCTION. 


DESTKTTCTIOK 

Is  not  destruction  to  the  wicked  ?  and  a  strange  punishment  to  the 
workers  of  iniquity  ?— Job,  xxxi.  3. 

O  thou  enemy,  destructions  are  come  to  a  perpetual  end;  and  thou 
hast  destroyed  cities;  their  memorial  is  perished  with  them. —Psalm 
ix.  6. 

Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate  :  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is 
the  way  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  there  be  which  so  in 
thereat. — Matthew,  vii.  13. 

'T  is  safer  far  to  be  that  which  we  destroy, 
Than  by  destruction  swell  in  doubtful  joy. 

Shakspere, 
What  a  scene  of  misery 
Hath  thine  obdurate  frowardness,  old  man, 
Drawn  on  thy  country's  bosom!  and,  for  that, 
Thy  proud  ambition  could  not  mount  so  high 
As  to  be  styled  thy  country's  only  patron; 
Thy  malice  hath  descended  to  the  depth 
Of  hell,  to  be  renowned  in  the  title 
Of  her  destroyer.  Beaumont  and  Fletcher. 

To  destruction,  sacred  and  devote, 
He  with  his  whole  posterity  must  die.  Milton. 

Thus  saith  the  righteous  Lord, 

My  vengeance  shall  unsheath  the  flaming  sword, 

O'er  all  thy  realms  my  fury  shall  be  poured. 

Where  yon  proud  city  stood, 

I  '11  spread  the  stagnant  flood ! 
And  there  the  bittern  in  the  sedge  shall  lurk, 

Moaning  with  sullen  strain, 

While  sweeping  o'er  the  plain, 

Destruction  ends  her  work.  Mason. 

While  like  a  tide  our  minutes  flow, 

The  present  and  the  past, 
He  fills  his  own  immortal  now, 

And  sees  our  ages  waste. 

The  sea  and  sky  must  perish  too, 

And  vast  destruction  come  ; 
The  creatures — look,  how  old  they  grow, 

And  wait  their  fiery  doom !  Watts. 


DEVOTION. 


183 


DEVOTION— DEVOUT. 

No  devoted  thing,  that  a  man  .-hail  devote  unto  the  Lord  of  all  that 
he  hath,  both  of  man  and  beast,  and  of  the  field  of  his  possession,  shall 
be  sold  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

Leviticus,  \xvii.  28. 

A  devout  man,  and  one  thai   Ei  Lth  all   his  house,  which 

gave  much  alms  bo  the  people,  and  prayed  to  God  alway.  -Act-.  \.  •_'. 

For  a-  I  passed  by,  and  beheld  your  devotions,  I  found  an  altar 
with  this  inscription,  To  the  Unknown  God.  Whom  therefore  ye 
Ignorantly  worship,  him  declare  1  unto  you.— Acts,  xrii.  23. 

An  aged  holy  man, 
That  day  and  night  said  his  devotion, 
No  other  worldly  business  did  apply.  Spenser. 

One  grain  of  incense  with  devotion  offer'd, 

'S  beyond  all  perfumes  or  Sabaean  spices, 

By  one  that  proudly  thinks  he  merits  it.        Massinger. 

I  fly 

Those  wicked  tents  devoted,  lest  the  wrath 

Impendent,  raging  into  sudden  flame, 

Distinguish  not.  Milton. 

In  vain  doth  man  the  name  of  just  expect, 

If  he  devotion  to  his  God  neglect.  Denham. 

Man  at  home,  within  himself,  may  find 

The  Deity  immense,  and  in  that  frame 

So  fearfully,  so  wonderfully  made, 

See  and  adore  His  providence  and  power. 

I  see,  and  I  adore  !     O  God  most  bounteous  ! 

O  Infinite  of  goodness  and  of  glory  ! 

The  knee  that  Thou  hast  shaped,  shall  bend  to  Thee  ; 

The  tongue  which  Thou  hast  tuned,  shall  chant  Thy 

praise. 
And  Thine  own  image,  the  immortal  soul, 
Shall  consecrate  herself  to  Thee,  for  ever ! 

Christopher  Smart. 

Devotion,  when  lukewarm,  is  xmdevout ; 
But  when  it  glows,  its  heat  is  struck  to  heaven  : 
To  human  hearts  her  golden  harps  are  strung  ; 
High  Heaven's  orchestra  chants  Amen  to  man. 

Young. 


184 


DEW. 


THEREFORE  God  give  thee  of  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  the  fatness  ot 
the  earth,  and  plenty  of  com  and  wine. — Genesis,  xxviii.  28. 

My  doctrine  shall  drop  as  the  rain,  my  speech  shall  distil  as  the 
Jew.  -  Deuteronomy,  xxxii.  2. 

As  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that  descended  upon  the 
mountains  of  Zion  :  for  there  the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even 
life  for  evermore. — Psalm  cxxxiii.  3. 

0  Ephraim,  what  shall  I  do  unto  thee  ?  0  Judah,  what  shall  I  do 
unto  thee  ?  For  your  goodness  is  as  a  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early 
dew  it  goeth  away. — Hosea,  vi.  4. 

See  liow  the  orient  dew, 

Shed  from  the  bosom  of  the  morn, 
Into  the  blowing  roses, 
Yet  careless  of  its  mansion  new, 

For  the  clear  region  where  'twas  born, 
Round  in  itself  incloses  : 
And  in  its  little  globe's  extent, 
Frames  as  it  can  its  native  element. 
How  it  the  purple  flower  does  slight ! 

Scarce  touching  where  it  lies ; 

But  gazing  back  upon  the  skies, 
Shines  with  a  mournful  light, 

Like  its  own  tear, 
Because  so  long  divided  from  the  sphere. 
Eestless  it  rolls  and  insecure, 
Trembling  lest  it  grow  impure, 
Till  the  warm  sun  pities  its  pain, 
And  to  the  skies  exhales  it  back  again. 

So  the  soul,  that  drop,  that  ray 

Of  the  clear  fountain  of  eternal  day, 

Could  it  within  the  human  flower  be  seen, 

Remembering  still  its  former  height, 

Shuns  the  sweet  leaves  and  blossoms  green, 

And  recollecting  its  own  light, 

Does  in  its  pure  and  circling  thoughts  express 

The  greater  heaven  in  an  heaven  less. 

In  how  coy  a  figure  wound, 

Every  way  it  turns  away  ; 
So  the  world  excluding  round, 

Yet  receiving  in  the  day  ; 


DEW.  185 

Dark  beneath  but  bright  above, 

Here  disdaining,  there  in  love  : 

How  loose  and  easy  hence  to  go  ; 

How  girt  and  ready  to  ascend  ; 

Moving  but  on  a  point  below, 

It  all  about  does  upwards  bend, 

Such  did  the  manna's  sacred  dew  distil, 

White  and  entire  although  congeal'd  and  chill ; 

Congeal'd  on  earth ;  but  does  dissolving  run 

Into  the  glories  of  the  Almighty  sun. 

Andrew   Marvell. 

The  starlight  dews 
All  silently  their  tears  of  love  instil, 
Weeping  themselves  away,  till  they  infuse, 
Deep  into  nature's  breast,  the  spirit  of  her  hues. 

Byron. 

Within  these  leaves  the  holy  dew 

That  falls  from  heaven,  hath  won  anew 

A  glory — in  declining.  Miss  Barrett. 


Those  verdant  hills  now  bathed  in  morning  detcs. 

Whose  every  drop  outvies  Golconda's  gem. 

Lo !  one  hangs  glittering  on  yon  blade  of  grass  : 

Spurn  not  that  lucid  trembler,  but  admire 

Its  glorious  hues,  and  trace  them  to  their  source ; 

The  nice  arrangement  of  its  particles. 

Draw  nigh; — through  microscopic  lens  inspect 

That  single  drop's  profound  elaborateness — 

Most  delicate,  and  wonderfully  wrought. 

Is  it  a  work  of  chance  ?     It  is  a  world 

Replete  with  life,  and  love,  and  feud.     Its  crowds 

Dart  swift  from  verge  to  verge  (their  ocean  depths 

How  nervous  and  minute  each  supple  fin ! 

What  made  that  film-like  hinge  on  which  it  plays? 

What  hand,  what  eye,  save  God's  could  fashion  it? 

T.  L.  Merritt. 

Dews  of  the  morning !  wherefore  were  ye  given  ? 
— To  shine  on  earth,  then  rise  to  heaven. 

J.  Montgomery. 


186  DEW. 

See  how  the  dewdrops  in  the  morning  flowers 

Stand  glistening,  brighter  than  the  precious  gem 

Whose  worth  exalts  the  kingly  diadem ! 
Clear,  tiny  droplets,  which  some  April  showers 

Born  of  big,  listed  clouds,  did  weep  o'er  them, 
In  their  pure  joy  that  summer's  rosy  bowers 

Were  bursting  into  bloom.     Oh  !  dewdrops  pale, 
How  bountiful  His  hand,  who  sends  the  blessing 
Of  your  surpassing  coolness  to  th'  oppressing 

Thirst  of  the  dying  flowers,  whose  juices  fail 
(But  for  such  timely  aid)  'neath  noontide's  sun. 

There  is  no  storm-wind  with  its  rushing  wail. 
There  is  no  storm-cloud  lowers  o'er  the  vale, 
But  scatters  blessings  as  it  passeth  on. 

G.  J.  O.  Allmann. 
But,  ah !  what  numbers  still  are  dead, 

Though  under  means  of  grace  they  lie  ! 
The  dew  still  falling  round  their  head, 

And  yet  their  heart  untouched  and  dry. 
Dear  Saviour !  hear  us  when  we  call, 

To  wrestling  pray'r  an  answer  give  ; 
Pour  down  thy  dew  upon  us  all, 

That  all  may  feel,  and  all  may  live. 

John  Newton. 
One  morn  I  mark'd  two  dewdrops  bright, 

Impendent  on  a  thorny  spray  : 
The  gems  had  caught  my  roving  sight, 

Gay  glittering  in  the  sunny  ray. 

A  sudden  breeze  pass'd  o'er  the  ground, 
And  shook  their  faithless  resting-place  ; 

They  trembled — waver'd — with  a  bound, 
Commingled  in  a  kind  embrace, 

'Tis  thus,  thought  I,  with  loving  hearts, 
When  adverse  storms  sweep  o'er  their  sky, 

In  closer  union,  each  imparts 

To  each,  aid,  comfort,  soothing  joy. 

The  mingled  dewdrops  by  the  sun 

Were  cherish'd,  then  exhaled  together  : 

Thus  virtuous  love,  on  earth  begun, 
Renew'd  in  Heaven,  exists  for  ever. 

George  Taylor. 


DISTRESS.  187 


DISTRESS. 

LET  us  arise,  and  go  up  to  Bethel ;  and  I  will  make  there  an  altar 
unto  God,  w!  me  in  the  day  of  my  distress,  and  was  with 

me  in  the  way  which  I  went.— (it-nc.-K  xxxv.  3. 

I  called  upon  the  Lord  in  dutrets:  the  Lord  answered  me,  and  set 
me  in  a  large  place.— Psalm  cxvhi.  ">. 

There  shall  be  great  distress  in  the  land,  and  wrath  upon  this  people, 
—Luke,  xxi.  23. 


Through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  life, 

In  trouble  and  in  joy, 
The  praises  of  my  God  shall  still 

My  heart  and  tongue  employ. 

Of  His  deliverance  I  will  boast, 

Till  all  who  are  distrest 
From  my  example  comfort  take, 

And  charm  their  griefs  to  rest. 

Brady  and  Tate. 

He  can,  He  will,  from  out  the  dust, 

Raise  the  blest  spirits  of  the  just ; 

Heal  every  wound,  hush  every  fear, 

From  every  eye  wipe  every  tear ; 

And  place  them  where  distress  is  o'er, 

And  pleasures  dwell  for  evermore.     Bishop  Mant. 

Lo !  through  the  gloom  of  guilty  fears, 

My  faith  discerns  a  dawn  of  grace  ; 
The  Sun  of  Eighteousness  appears 

In  Jesus'  reconciling  face. 

My  suffering,  slain,  and  risen  Lord  ! 

In  deep  distress  I  turn  to  Thee — 
I  claim  acceptance  in  thy  word, 

My  God !  my  God !  forsake  not  me  ! 

James  Montgomery. 

Teach  me  in  times  of  deep  distress 

To  own  Thy  hand,  my  God ! 
And  in  submissive  silence  learn 

The  lessons  of  Thy  rod.  Heginbothatn. 


188  DOUBT. 


DOUBT. 

And  when  they  saw  him,  they  worshipped  him  :  but  some  doubted. 
— Matthew,  xxviii.  17. 

Then  came  the  Jews  round  about  Him,  and  said  unto  Him,  How 
long  dost  thou  make  us  to  doubt?  If  thou  be  the  Christ,  tell  us  plainly. 
—John,  x.  24. 

Now  when  the  high  priest  and  the  captain  of  the  temple,  and  the 
chief  priests  heard  these  things,  they  doubted  of  them  whereunto  this 
would  grow. — Acts,  v.  24. 

Attempt  the  end,  and  never  stand  to  doubt ; 
Nothing 's  so  hard,  but  search  will  find  it  out. 

Herrick. 
But  desperate  is  their  doom  whom  doubt  has  driven 

To  censure  fate,  and  pious  hope  forego ; 
Like  yonder  blasted  boughs  by  lightning  riven, 

Perfection,  beauty,  life,  they  never  know, 
But  frown  on  all  who  pass,  a  monument  of  woe. 

Seattle. 
Ah !  thou  knowest  not  the  war  of  struggling  thought 
That  agitates  my  soul.     I  find  in  all 
Some  peril  still  to  dread.     I  choose,  and  then 
My  choice  repent ;  and  then  again  regret 
Having  repented  ;  while  protracted  doubt 
Wearies  her  mind,  so  that  the  ill  from  good 
No  longer  I  distinguish ;  till  at  length 
The  flight  of  time  impels  me  to  the  worst ! 

From  the  Italian  of  Pietre  Metastasio. 

Doubt  !  anarch  old,  that  staggers  all — 
The  mighty  vulgar  as  the  small, 
Claims  from  all  hearts  th'  allegiance  won, 
Yet  satisfaction  gives  to  none  ; 

And  still  resisted,  still  must  reign, 
Dreaded,  abhorred,  reviled  in  vain ; 
Sole  tyrant  he,  that  still  must  thrive, 
While  any  of  his  subjects  live ; 

The  stoutest  arm  he  fastest  binds, 
Still  strongest  in  the  strongest  minds ; 
Who  struggles  hardest,  suffers  most ; 
And  tightens  bands  he  cannot  burst. 

C.  C.  Cotton. 


189 


DKEAD— DREADFUL. 


SHALL  not  his  excellency  make  yon  afraid?  and  his  drmd  fall  upon 
you?— Job,  xiii.  11 

Withdraw  thine-  hand  far  from  me  :  and  let  not  thy  dread  make  DM 
afraid.     Job,  xiii.  21. 

They  were  so  high,  that  tiny  were  dreadful.     KzckieL  i.  18. 

I  am  a  great  King,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  my  name  is  dreadful 
among  the  heathen.    MalaoM,  i.  14. 

Next  saw  we  Dread,  all  trembling,  how  he  shouk, 
With  foot  uncertain,  proffer'd  here  and  there ; 
Benumb'd  with  speech  ;  and  with  a  ghastly  look, 
Search'd  every  place,  all  pale  and  dread  for  fear ; 
His  cap  borne  up  with  starting  of  his  hair ; 
'Stoun'd  and  amazed  at  his  own  share  for  dread, 
And  fearing  greater  dangers  than  was  need. 

Sackville. 
Thou  attended  gloriously  from  Heaven, 
Shall  in  the  sky  appear,  and  from  thee  send 
The  summoning  archangels  to  proclaim 
Thy  dread  tribunal.  Milton. 

Who  the  Creator  love,  created  might 

Dread  not ;  within  their  tents  no  terrors  walk. 

Coleridge. 
As  if  a  lark  should  suddenly  drop  dead 
While  the  blue  air  yet  trembled  with  his  song, 
So  snapped  at  once  that  music's  golden  thread, 
Struck  by  a  nameless  fear,  that  leapt  along 
From  heart  to  heart,  and  like  a  shadow  sped 
With  instantaneous  shiver  through  the  throng ; 
So  that  some  glanced  behind,  as  half  aware 
A  hideous  shape  of  dread  were  standing  there. 

As  when  a  crowd  of  pale  men  gather  round, 

Watching  an  eddy  in  the  leaden  deep, 

From  which  they  deemed  the  body  of  one  drowned 

Will  be  cast  forth  ;  from  face  to  face  doth  creep 

An  eager  dread,  that  holds  all  tongues  fast  bound, 

Until  the  horror,  with  a  ghastly  leap, 

Starts  up,  its  dead  blue  arms  stretched  aimlessly, 

Heaved  w  ith  the  swinging  of  the  careless  sea. 

J.  R.  Lowell. 


190  DUST. 


DUST. 

IN  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto 
the  ground ;  for  out  of  it  wast  thou  taken  :  for  dust  thou  art,  and 
unto  dust  shalt  thou  return. — Genesis,  hi.  19. 

All  flesh  shall  perish  together,  and  man  shall  turn  again  unto 
dust. — Job,  xxxiv.  15. 

All  go  unto  one  place ;  all  are  of  the  dust,  and  all  turn  to  dust  again. 
— Bcclesiastes,  hi.  20. 

Then  shah  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  :  and  the  spirit 
shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. — Bcclesiastes,  xii.  7. 


Feae  no  more  the  frown  o'  the  great, 

Thou  art  past  the  tyrant's  stroke  : 
Care  no  more  to  clothe  and  eat, 

To  thee  the  reed  is  as  the  oak. 
The  sceptre,  learning,  physic,  must 
All  follow  this,  and  come  to  dust.  Shahspere. 

Why  all  this  toil  for  triumphs  of  an  hour  ? 
What  though  we  wade  in  wealth,  or  soar  in  fame, 
Earth's  highest  station  ends  in  "here  he  lies ;" 
And  "dust  to  dust"  concludes  her  noblest  song. 

Young. 

What  is  this  passing  scene  ? 

A  peevish  April  day ! 
A  little  sun — a  little  rain, 
And  then  night  sweeps  along  the  plain, 
And  all  things  fade  away. 
Man  (soon  discussed,) 
Yields  up  his  trust, 
And  all  his  hopes  and  fears  lie  with  him  in  the  dust. 

Then,  since  this  world  is  vain, 

And  volatile  and  fleet, 
Why  should  I  lay  up  worldly  joys, 
When  dust  corrupts,  and  moth  destroys, 
And  cares  and  sorrows  eat? 
Why  fly  from  ill 
With  anxious  skill, 
When  soon  the  hand  will  freeze,  the  throbbing  heart 
be  still?  H.K.  White. 


DUTY.  191 


DUTY. 

Fkak  God,  and  keep  his  commandments  :  for  this  is  the  whole  duty 
of  man.— Ecclesiastes,  xii.  13. 

Bo  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done  all  those  thinps  which  are 
commanded  yon.  say.  We  are  unprofitable  servants  :  we  have  done 
that  which  was  cur  duty  to  do.— Luke,  xvii.  10. 


Who  shall,  O  God!  ascend  thy  holy  hill? 

Ev'n  he  whose  hands  are  clean,  whose  heart  is  pure. 

Faithful  of  Word,  and  dutiful  of  Will. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

Between  ourselves  and  our  desires,  too  oft, 

Wre  build  a  wall  impassable.     We  mar 

By  futile  artifice  what  honest  skill 

In  either  would  alone  effect. — Straight  on, 
And  up  the  mountain,  heavenwards  aloft, 
Should  be  the  chosen  path ;  however  far 
The  goal  may  be ;  to  reach  it  wants  but  will 
To  trust  in  God,  and  prudent  courage  drawn 
From  honourable  purpose.     Hard  may  be 

The  track,  and  steep  to  climb,  but  walls  are  none 
To  scale,  nor  ladders  lack  we,  'midst  the  chill 
Of  mental  Alps,  but  only  eyes  to  see 
These  words  of  truth  light-written  in  the  sun — 
"The  path  of  duty  aye  runs  up  the  hill." 

Calder  Campbell. 

Rugged  strength  and  radiant  beauty — 

These  were  one  in  nature's  plan ; 
Humble  toil  and  heavenward  duty — 

These  will  form  the  perfect  man.  Mrs.  Hale. 


Stern  daughter  of  the  voice  of  God! 

O  Duty  !  if  that  name  thou  love 
Who  art  a  light  to  guide,  a  rod 

To  check  the  erring,  and  reprove  ; 
Thou  who  art  victory  and  law 
When  empty  terrors  overawe, 
Give  unto  me,  made  lowly  wise, 
The  spirit  of  self-sacrifice.  Wordsworth. 


192  DWELL. 


D  WE  LL— D  WELLING. 

Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good;    and  dwell  for  evermore. — Psalm 
xxx vii.  27. 

My  people  shall  dwell  in  a  peaceable  habitation,  and  in  sure  dwellings, 
and  in  quiet  resting-places. — Isaiah,  xxxii.  18. 

\o  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time.     If  we  love  one  another,  Grol 
dwelleth  in  ns,  and  his  love  is  perfected  in  us. 

Hereby  know  we  that  we  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in   us.  because  he 
hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit. — I.  John,  iv.  12.  13. 

I  peais'd  the  sea,  whose  ample  field 
Shone  glorious  as  a  silver  shield ; 
I  prais'd  the  earth  in  beauty  seen, 
With  garlands  gay  of  various  green ; 
And  earth  and  ocean  seera'd  to  say, 
"Our  beauties  are  but  for  a  day." 

I  prais'd  the  sun,  whose  chariot  roll'd 
On  wheels  of  amber  and  of  gold : 
I  prais'd  the  moon,  whose  softer  eye 
Gleam'd  sweetly  through  the  summer  sky  ; 
And  moon  and  sun  in  answer  said, 
"Our  days  of  light  are  numbered." 

O  God  !  O  good  beyond  compare  ! 

If  thus  thy  meaner  works  are  fair  ; 

If  thus  thy  bounties  gild  the  span 

Of  ruin'd  earth  and  sinful  man, 

How  glorious  must  the  mansion  be, 

Where  thy  redeem'd  shall  dwell  with  thee. 

Bishop    Heber. 

O,  come  and  choell  with  me, 

Spirit  of  power  within, 
And  bring  the  glorious  liberty 

From  sorrow,  fear,  and  sin.  Wesley. 

Think  on  th'  eternal  home 

The  Saviour  left  for  you  ; 
Think  on  the  Lord  most  holy,  come 

To  divell  with  hearts  untrue. 
So  shall  ye  tread  untired  his  pastoral  ways, 
And  in  the  darkness  sing  your  carol  of  high  praise. 

Keble. 


103 


EAKTH. 

And  Qod  called  the  dry  land  Earth.— Genesis,  i.  10. 

The  i-tuth  it.  the  Lord's,  and   the  fulness  thereof;  the  world,  and 

nit  dwell  thervin.—  Tsalm  xxiv.  1. 

■irth,  O  Lord,  is  f till  of  thy  mercy,     rsahn  cxix.  64. 

The  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  a?  the  WJ iters 
the  sea.— Isaiah,  xi.  9. 

The  eartft  also  and  the  work?  that  are  therein  BhaD   be  burned  up- 
-II.  Peter,  iii.  10. 

(JHCOH8TANT  Earth  .'  why  do  not  mortals  cease 
To  build  their  hopes  upon  so  short  a  lease  P 
Uncertain  lease,  whose  term  but  once  begun, 
Tells  never  when  it  ends  till  it  be  done : 
We  dote  upon  thy  smiles,  not  knowing  why, 
And  whiles  we  but  prepare  to  live,  we  die: 
We  spring  like  flowers  for  a  day's  delight, 
At  noon  we  flourish,  and  we  fade  at  night : 
We  toil  for  kingdoms,  conquer  crowns,  and  then 
We  that  were  Gods,  but  now,  now  less  than  men. 
If  wisdom,  learning,  knowledge,  cannot  dwell 
Secure  from  change,  vain  bubble  earth,  farewell. 

Francis    Qua 

Earth's  cup 
Is  poisoned ;  her  renown,  most  infamous  : 
Her  gold,  seem  as  it  may,  is  really  dust ; 
Her  titles,  slanderous  names  ;  her  praise,  reproach  ; 
Her  strength,  an  idiot's  boast ;  her  wisdom,  blind  ; 
Her  gain,  eternal  loss ;  her  hope,  a  dream  ; 
Her  love,  her  friendship,  enmity  with  God ; 
Her  promises,  a  lie ;  her  smile,  a  harlot's  ; 
Her  beauty,  paint,  and  rotten  within ;  her  pleasures, 
Deadly  assassins  masked;  her  laughter,  grief; 
Her  breasts,  the  stings  of  death ;  her  total  sum, 
Her  all,  most  total  vanity.  Pollok. 

And  had  earth,  then,  no  joys?  no  native  sweets, 
No  happiness,  that  one  who  spoke  the  truth. 
Might  call  her  own?  She  had.  true  native  Bweets, 
Indigenous  delights,  which  up  the  Tree 
Of  Holiness,  embracing  as  they  grew. 
Ascended,  and  bore  fruit  of  Heavenly  taste.        Pollok. 
*  o 


194  EARTH. 


Lean  not  on  earth;  'twill  pierce  thee  to  the  heart: 

A  broken  reed  at  best,  but  oft  a  spear: 

On  its  sharp  point  peace  bleeds,  and  hope  expires. 

There's  nothing  here  but  what  as  nothing  weighs ; 

The  more  our  joy,  the  more  we  know  it  vain  ; 

And  by  success  are  tutored  to  despair. 

Xor  is  it  only  thus,  but  must  be  so. 

Who  knows  not  this,  though  grey,  is  still  a  child ; 

Loose  then  from  earth  the  grasp  of  fond  desire, 

Weigh  anchor,  and  some  happier  clime  explore. 

Young. 

Earth,  thou  great  footstool  of  our  God 
Who  reigns  on  high;  thou  fruitful  source 
Of  all  our  raiment,  life,  and  food, 
Our  house,  our  parent,  and  our  nurse. 
Mighty  stage  of  mortal  scenes, 
Drest  with  strong  and  gay  machines, 
Hung  with  golden  lamps  around, 
And  flowery  carpets  spread  the  ground — 
Thou  bulky  globe,  prodigious  map, 
That  hangs  unpillared  in  an  empty  space, 
While  thy  unwieldly  weight  hangs  in  the  feeble  air, 
Bless   that   Almighty  word  that  fix'd  and  holds   thee 
there.  Watts. 


A  puff  of  honour  fills  the  mind, 

And  yellow  dust  is  solid  good ; 
Thus,  like  the  ass  of  savage  kind, 
We  snuff  the  breezes  of  the  wind, 

Or  steal  the  serpent's  food. 
Could  all  the  choirs 
That  charms  the  poles 

But  strike  one  doleful  sound, 
'T  would  be  employed  to  mourn  our  souls ; 
Souls  that  were  formed  of  sprightly  fires 

In  floods  of  folly  drowned. 
Souls  made  of  glory  seek  a  brutal  joy ; 

How  they  disclaim  their  heavenly  birth, 
Melt  their  bright  substance  down  with  drossy  earth, 
And  hate  to  be  refined  from  that  impure  alloy. 

Watts. 


EARTH.  195 


There  are  wondrous    things   on   the   aged   earth;    'tis 

speeding  to  its  close  ; 
From   the  very   heart  of    the   prosperous   world   the 

prophet-thunder  grows  ; 
And  as  this  sphere  whirls  round  and  round  upon  its 

endless  way. 
And  as  the  laws  of  the  universe  from  their  boundless 

centres  sway, 
From  the   everlasting   hills   of  heaven   look   down   a 

seraph-race, 
And  gaze  upon  the  mighty  change  that  speaks  aloud 

through  space: 
With  joy  they  hymn  the  Eternal,  in  whose  embrace 

they  Jive, 
And  strike   the   harp   to  him  who  loves  to   pity  and 

forgive. 

Stands  the  archangel  Lucifer  on  a  stormy  planet  near, 
And  the  hollow  sound  of  his  mighty  voice  fills  many 

worlds  with  fear ; 
"Vain  earth"  he  said,  "thy  pigmy  lords  may  strive 

from  thee  to  rise, 
May  gasp   their  hopes   in  frequent  verse,  they   half 

philosophize, 
Build  temples   to  the  monarch  steam,  be  victors  o'er 

the  sea — 
Their  pride,  their  power  shall   disappear  at  one  dark 

glance  from  me ! 
O  for  the  fierce  wild  rapture  of  that  fast  approaching 

day, 
When  man  and  his  brief  dwelling  in  the   storm  are 

swept  away." 

Far  in  the  centre  of  all  space  burns  the  eternal  throne, 
Where  God,  unseen,  ineffable,  dwells  in  his  light  alone. 
"My  Son,"  the  one  existence  saith,  "earth  speeds  its 

course  to  thee, 
And  soon  beneath  thy  rule  of  love  its  kingdoms  shall 

be  free. 
The  demons  dream  of  fury,  of  swift,  consuming  fire, 
Dream  that  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  is  stern   resentful 

ire: 


196  EARTH. 


But   the    whole   universe    shall   know  that   mercy    is 

divine — 
Beloved  Son !    Men.  angels,  fiends,  for   evermore    are- 

thine."  Carrera. 

I  believe  this  earth  on  which  we  stand 
Is  but  the  vestibule  to  glorious  mansions, 
Through  which  a  moving  crowd  for  ever  press. 

Joanna  Baillie. 

As  trees  beneath  the  soil  must  shoot, 

Before  they  form  the  grove, 
So  man  in  earth  must  spread  his  root, 

That  hopes  to  bloom  above.  Thomas  Ward. 

Earth  hath  of  thee  had  glimpses,  shaped  to  suit 

The  contemplative  Spirit,  suffering 

From  occultation  of  the  absolute, 

The  shadow  of  the  spiritual  thing 

That  passing,  veils  the  Truth.  Let  it  pass  on  ! 

Shine  forth,  O  Sun !  the  universal  King, 

Intelligible  God.     Thy  steadfast  Throne 

For  ever  is  immovable,  and  Earth 

Light  from  thine  aspect  borrows,  and,  anon, 

In  constant  revolution,  giveth  birth 

To  darkness,  not  forsaken :  for  the  Moon 

And  Stars  reflect  thy  glory  faintly  forth, 

In  night,  most  holy  night,  in  whose  high  noon 

Majestic  Heaven  itself  alone  reveals 

To  faith, — a  starry  spell, — a  visible  tune, — 

Until  thy  reappearing  opes  the  seals 

Of  the  mysterious  Tome,  and  supersedes 

Their  borrowed  lights — their  spirit-motioned  wheels. 

Yet  are  they  God's  !  how  happy  he  who  reads 

Their  office  rightly; — oracles  Earth  hears 

In  visionary  slumber,  hears  and  heeds  ; 

The  Deities  of  darkness,  on  the  spheres 

Enthroned,  Angels  of  Night,  whose  choral  gleams 

Echo  the  word  unto  the  worlds  He  cheers. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 


ELEMENTS.  197 


ELEMENTS. 

B\  kn  so  we,  when  we  were  children,  were  in  bondage  under  the 
th  mints  of  the  world.  —  Galatians,  iv.  3. 

But  now,  after  that  ye  have  known  God.  or  rather  an  known  of 
God,  how  turn  ye  again  to  the  weak  and  beggarly  elements,  wherennto 
ye  desire  again  to  be  in  bondage?  -Galatians,  iv.  it. 

But  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  thief  in  the  night ;  in  the 
which  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  iletnenU 
shall  melt  with  fervent  heat. — II.  Peter,  iii.  10. 


I  cavilled  at  the  elements — what  is  earth  ? 

A  huge  congestion  of  unmethodized  matter 

With  but  a  skin  of  life — a  mighty  solid, 

Which  nature's  prodigal  of  space  provides 

For  superficial  uses  ;  and  what  air  P 

A  motion  and  a  pressure ;  fire  ?  a  change  ; 

And  light?  the  language  of  the  things  called  dumb. 

Last  came  the  troubled  question — what  am  I  ? 
A  blade,  a  sapling  of  the  growth  of  life 
Wherewith  the  outside  of  the  earth  is  covered ; 
A  comprehensive  atom,  all  the  world 
In  act  of  thought  embracing ;  in  the  world 
A  grain  scarce  filling  a  particular  place. 

Henry  Taylor. 

Father,  I  know  my  frame  is  all  composed 

Of  elements  that  perish ;  and  I  know 

The  bondage  whereunto  my  grovelling  soul 

Still  turns,  in  spite  of  higher  aspirations. 

Oh,  grant  me  strength  to  burst  the  chains  of  sense ! 

That  in  the  elemental  wreck  to  come, 

I  may  not  perish  utterly,  but  live 

To  praise  and  bless  Thee  for  my  great  salvation. 

Egone. 

Let  every  element  rejoice  ; 

Ye  thunders,  burst  with  awful  voice 

To  Him  who  bade  you  roll. 
His  praise  in  softened  notes  declare, 
Each  whispering  breeze  of  yielding  air, 

And  breathe  it  to  the  soul.  Ogilvie. 


198 


ENVY. 


Be  not  thou  envious  against  evil  men,  neither  desire  to  be  with 
them.— Proverbs,  xxiv.  1. 

Wrath  is  cruel,  and  anger  is  outrageous ;  but  who  is  able  to  stand 
before  envy  ?— Proverbs,  xxvii.  4. 

But  Pilate  answered  them,  saying.  Will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you 
the  King  of  the  Jews'? 

For  he  knew  that  the  chief  priests  had  delivered  him  for  envy. — 
Mark,  xv.  9,  10. 

For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  there  is  confusion  and  every  evil 
work. — James,  iii.  16. 

And  next  to  him  malicious  JEnvy  rode 
Upon  a  ravenous  wolfe,  and  still  did  chaw 
Between  his  cankered  teeth  a  venomous  tode, 
That  all  the  poison  ran  about  his  jaw  : 
But  inwardly  he  chawed  his  own  maw 
At  neighbour's  wealth  that  made  him  ever  sad, 
For  death  it  was  when  any  good  he  saw ; 
And  wept,  that  cause  of  weeping  none  he  had ; 
And  when  he  heard  of  harme  he  waxed  wondrous  glad. 

Spenser. 
I  envy  not  their  hap 

Whom  favour  doth  advance  ; 
I  take  no  pleasure  in  their  pain 
That  have  less  happy  chance. 
To  rise  by  others'  fall 

I  deem  a  losing  gain  ; 
All  states  with  others'  ruin  built, 

To  ruin  run  amain.  Southwell. 

Here  are  no  false  entrapping  baits, 
To  hasten  too,  too  hasty  fates  ; 

Unless  it  be 

The  fond  credulity 
Of  silly  fish,  which,  worldling  like,  still  look 
Upon  the  bait,  but  never  on  the  hook : 
Nor  envy,  unless  among 
The  birds,  for  prize  of  their  sweet  song. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 
For  every  thing  contains  within  itself 
The  seeds  and  sources  of  its  own  corruption ; 
The  cankering  rust  corrodes  the  brightest  steel ; 


KNVY.  199 

The  moth  frets  out  your  garment,  and  the  worm 
Eats  its  slow  way  into  the  solid  oak  : 
But  Envy,  of  all  evil  things  the  worst, 
The  same  to-day,  to-morrow,  and  for  ever, 
Saps  and  consumes  the  heart  in  which  it  works. 

Cumberland. 
Envy  's  a  sharper  spur  than  pay, 
And,  unprovok'd,  'twill  court  the  fray. 
###### 

Fools  may  our  scorn,  not  envy,  raise. 
For  envy  is  a  kind  of  praise. 

#  *  *  #  #  * 

Canst  thou  discern  another's  mind  ? 

What  is't  you  envy  1     Envy  's  blind. 

Tell  Envy,  when  she  would  annoy, 

That  thousands  want  what  you  enjoy.  Gay. 

The  lion  craved  the  fox's  art ; 

The  fox  the  lion's  force  and  heart ; 

The  cock  implored  the  pigeon's  flight, 

Whose  wings  were  rapid,  strong,  and  light  ; 

The  pigeon  strength  of  wing  despised, 

And  the  cock's  matchless  valour  prized. 

The  fishes  wish'd  to  graze  the  plain ; 

The  beasts  to  skim  beneath  the  main. 

Thus,  envious  of  another's  state, 

Each  blam'd  the  partial  hand  of  fate.  Gay . 

Slander'd  in  vain,  enjoy  the  spleen  of  foes  ; 
Let  these  from  envy  hate — from  interest  those  ! 
Guilt,  like  the  first,  your  gratitude  requires, 
Since  none  can  envy  till  he  first  admires  ; 
And  nature  tells  the  last  his  crime  is  none, 
Who  to  your  interest  but  prefers  his  own. 

Aaron  Hill. 
What  made  the  man  of  Envy  what  he  was, 
Was  worth  in  others,  vileness  in  himself, 
A  lust  of  praise,  with  undeserving  deeds. 
And  conscience  poverty  of  soul ;  and  still 
It  was  his  earnest  work  and  daily  toil, 
With  lying  tongue,  to  make  the  noble  seem 
Mean  as  himself.  Pollolc. 


200 


EBROR. 

Who  can  understand  his  errors  t  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults. 
—Psalm  xix.  12. 

For  the  vile  person   will  speak   villany,   and  his   heart   will  work 
iniquity,  to  practise  hypocrisy,  and  to  utter  error  against  the  Lord.- 
Isaiah,  xxxii.  6. 

Beware  lest  ye  also,  being  led  away  with  the  error  of  the  wicked, 
fall  from  vour  own  stedfastness. — II.  Peter,  hi.  17. 


A  good  that  never  satisfies  the  mind, 
A  beauty  fading  like  the  April  flowers, 
A  sweet  with  floods  of  gall  that  runs  combined, 
A  pleasure  passing  ere  in  thought  made  ours, 
An  honour  that  more  fickle  is  than  wind, 
A  glory  at  opinion's  frown  that  lowers, 
A  treasury  which  bankrupt  time  devours, 
A  knowledge  than  grave  ignorance  more  blind  ; 
A  vain  delight  our  equals  to  command, 
A  style  of  greatness,  in  effect  a  dream, 
A  swelling  thought  of  holding  sea  and  land, 
A  servile  lot,  decked  with  a  pompous  name  ; 
Are  the  strange  ends  we  toil  for  here  below, 
Till  wisest  death  makes  us  our  errors  know. 

Drummond. 

Swifter  than  feathered  arrow  in  the  wind, 
Than  winged  vessel  on  the  yielding  tide, 
Than  river  shooting  down  the  mountain  side, 

Than  foot  o'er  champaign  of  the  slender  hind, 

To  error  s  flowery  vale,  the  headlong  mind 
Is  prone,  without  a  curb,  to  fly  aside  ; 
Neither  by  dangers  of  the  path  untried, 

]S"or  roughest  road,  nor  highest  Alp  confined. 

But  if  the  way  of  truth  upon  the  right 

It  follows,  like  slow  worm,  or  bird  unfledged, 

At  every  twig  it  checks,  and  stone,  and  rill. 

Great  guide  !  make  strong  my  pinions  for  the  flight 
In  that  true  course ;  by  every  other  hedged, 

And  lift  and  bring  me  to  thy  holy  hill ! 

From  the  Italian  of  Tarda. 

"But  what  is  error  ? — Answer  he  who  can  !" 
The  Sceptic  somewhat  haughtily  exclaimed  : 


ERROR.  201 


"Love,  Hope,  and  Admiration — are  they  not 
Mad  Fancy's  favourite  vassals?     Does  not  life 
Use  them,  full  oft.  as  pioneers  to  ruin, 
Guides  to  destruction  ?     Is  it  well  to  trust 
Imagination's  light  when  Eeason's  fails, 
The  unguarded  taper  where  the  guarded  faints  r 
— Stoop  from  those  heights,  and  soberly  declare 
What  error  is  ;  and  of  our  errors,  which 
Doth  most  debase  the  mind  ;  the  genuine  seats 
Of  power,  where  are  they  P     Who  shall  regulate. 
With  truth,  the  scale  of  intellectual  rankP" 

Wordsworth. 

Thus  error's  monstrous  shapes  from  earth  are  driven  ; 
They  fade,  they  fly — but  truth  survives  their  flight ; 
Earth  has  no  shades  to  quench  that  beam  of  heaven  ; 
Each  ray  that  shone,  in  early  time,  to  light 
The  faltering  footsteps  in  the  path  of  right, 
Each  gleam  of  clearer  brightness,  shed  to  aid 
In  man's  maturer  day  his  bolder  sight, 
All  blended,  like  the  rainbow's  radiant  braid, 
Pour  vet,  and  still  shall  pour,  the  blaze  that   cannot 
fade.  W.  C.  Bryant. 

Error  is  a  hardy  plant ;  it  flourisheth  in  every  soil ; 
In    the   heart  of   the  wise    and   good,  alike  with   the 

wicked  and  foolish  : 
For   there  is  no  error   so   crooked,  but    it  hath  in  it 

some  lines  of  truth : 
Nor  is  any  poison  so  deadly,  that  it  serveth  not  some 

wholesome  use : 
And  the  just  man,  enamoured  of  the  right,  is  blinded 

by  the  speciousness  of  wrong, 
And  the  prudent,  perceiving  an  advantage,  is  content 

to  overlook  the  harm. 
On  all  things  created  remaineth  the  half-effaced  signa- 
ture of  God, 
Somewhat  of  fair   and  good,  though   blotted    by  the 

finger  of  corruption  : 
And    if  error  cometh  in  like  a  flood,  it  mixeth  with 

the  streams  of  truth ; 
And  the  adversary  loveth    to   have  it  so,  for  thereby 

many  are  decoyed.  Martin  F.  Tapper. 


202  ESTATE. 


ESTATE. 

0  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  God  of  Gods :  for  His  mercy  endureth  for 
ever. 

Who  remembered  us  in  our  low  estate:  for  His  mercy  endureth  for 
erer.— Psalm  cxxxvi.  2,  23. 

And  Mary  said,  My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord, 

And  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  God  my  Saviour. 

For  he  hath  regarded  the  low  estate  of   His   handmaiden. — Luke,  i. 
46.  47.  48. 

Mind  not  high  things,  but  condescend  .to  men  of  low  estate.—  Romans, 
xii.  16. 

Go,  miser !  go ;  for  lucre  sell  thy  soul ; 
Truck  wares  for  wares,  and  trudge  from  pole  to  pole, 
That  men  may  say,  when  thou  art  dead  and  gone, 
See  what  a  vast  estate  he  left  his  son.  Dryden. 

Wherever  in  the  world  I  am, 

In  whatsoe'er  estate, 
I  have  a  fellowship  with  hearts 

To  keep  and  cultivate  ; 
And  a  work  of  lowly  love  to  do, 

For  the  Lord  on  whom  I  wait. 

Ann  L.  Waring. 

Oh  yes !  I  have  a  goodly  heritage, 

A  vast  estate  is  mine  ; 
My  title  deeds  are  on  the  sacred  page, 

Writ  by  a  hand  divine. 

The  land  is  fruitful,  yielding  all  things  good, 

An  overflowing  store  ; 
To  satisfy  the  utmost  wish,  nor  could 

My  spirit  ask  for  more. 

'T  is  in  a  pleasant  country — this  estate — 

Of  ever-new  delight ; 
No  storms  are  there  to  chill  and  devastate, 

There  comes  no  gloomy  night. 

My  tenor  is  inviolate  ;  for  death 

Signs,  seals,  and  opes  the  door, 
That  me  into  possession  ushereth, 

There  to  dwell  evermore.  Egone. 


ETERNITY.  203 


ETERNITY. 

FOR  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity. 
whose  name  is  Holy;  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place.  Isaiah, 
lvii.  1"). 

For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dis- 
solved, we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with  hands, 
etrrnal  in  the  heavens.— II.  Corinthians,  v.  1. 

Of  that  same  time  when  no  more  change  shall  be, 

But  stedfastly  rest  all  things,  firmly  stayed 

Upon  the  pillars  of  eternity, 

That  is  contraire  to  mutability  ; 

For  all  that  moveth  doth  in  change  delight ; 

But  thenceforth  all  shall  rest  eternally, 

With  Him  that  is  the  God  of  Sabaoth  hight. 

Spenser. 
Him,  blessed  Shepherd, 
His  flocks  shall  follow  through  the  maze  of  life, 
And  shades  that  tend  to  day  spring  from  on  high ; 
And  as  the  radiant  roses,  after  fading, 
In  fuller  foliage,  and  more  fragrant  breath, 
Revive  in  smiling  spring,  so  shall  it  be 
With  those  that  love  Him :  for  sweet  is  their  savour, 
And  all  eternity  shall  be  their  spring.  Smart. 

Man,  (mortal  creature,)  fram'd  to  feel  decays, 
Thine  unresisted  power  at  pleasure  sways, 
Thou  say'st  return,  and  parting  souls  obey, 
Thou  say'st  return,  and  bodies  fall  to-day. 
For  what's  a  thousand  fleeting  years  with  Thee  ? 
Or  Time  compared  with  long  eternity  ? 
Whose  wings  expanding  infinitely  vast, 
O'erstretched  its  utmost  ends  of  first  and  last. 

Parnell. 
We  strive  with  earthly  imagings, 

To  reach  and  understand 
The  wondrous  and  the  fearful  things 
Of  an  eternal  land. 

But  soon  the  doubt,  the  toil,  the  strife 

Of  earth  shall  all  be  done, 
And  knowledge  of  our  endless  life 

Be  in  a  moment  won.  Otway  Curry. 


204  ETERNITY. 


Why  shrinks  the  soul 
Back  on  herself,  and  startles  at  destruction  ? 
Tis  the  Divinity  that  stirs  within  us; 
'Tis  Heaven  itself  that  points  out  an  hereafter, 
And  intimates  eternity  to  man.  Addison. 

The  Eternal  Life,  beyond  the  sky, 
Wealth  cannot  purchase,  nor  the  high 

And  proud  estate; 
The  soul  in  dalliance  laid, — the  spirit 
Corrupt  with  sin, — shall  not  inherit 

A  joy  so  great. 

Longfellow,  from  the  Spanish. 

Our  better  nature  pineth — let  it  be ! 

Thou  human  soul — earth  is  no  home  for  thee  ; 

Thy  starry  rest  is  in  eternity.  Miss  Landon. 

He  of  the  lion-voice,  the  rainbow-crowned, 
Shall  stand  upon  the  mountains  and  the  sea, 
And  swear  by  earth,  by  Heaven's  throne,  and  Him 
Who  sitteth  on  the  throne,  there  shall  be  Time 
No  more,  no  more !     Then  veiled  Eternity 
Shall  straight  unveil  her  awful  countenance 
Unto  the  reeling  world,  and  take  the  place 
Of  seasons,  years  and  ages.     Aye  and  aye 
Shall  be  the  time  of  day  !  Miss  Barrett. 

Time !  whither  dost  thou  flee  ? 

— I  travel  to  eternity, 

Eternity!  what  art  thou? — say! 

— Time  past — time  present — time  to  come — to-day. 

J.  Montgomery. 

See,  how  beneath  the  moonbeams'  smile 

Yon  little  billow  heaves  its  breast, 
And  foams  and  sparkles  for  awhile, 

And  murmuring  then  subsides  to  rest. 

Thus  man,  the  sport  of  bliss  and  care, 

Rises  on  time's  eventful  sea ; 
And  having  swelled  a  moment  there, 

Thus  melts  into  eternity.  Moore. 


EVENING.  205 


EVENING 

Evening,  and  morning,  and  at  noon,  will  I  pray,  and  cr\    aloud  : 
and  he  shall  hear  in 3-  voice.— Psalm  Iv.  17. 

It  shall  come  to  pass,  that  at  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. — Zechariah, 
xiv.  7. 

Abide  with  us  :  for  it  is  toward  evening,  and  the  day  is  far  spent.— 
Luke,  xxiv.  29. 


Now  came  still  evening  on,  and  twilight  grey 

Had  in  her  sober  livery  all  things  clad  ; 

Silence  accompanied  ;  for  beast  and  bird — 

They  to  their  grassy  couch,  these  to  their  nests — 

Were  shrunk,  all  but  the  wakeful  nightingale  : 

She  all  night  long  her  beauteous  descant  sung : 

Silence  was  pleased.     Now  glow'd  the  firmament 

With  living  sapphires.     Hesperus,  that  led 

The  starry  host,  rode  brightest,  till  the  moon, 

Rising  in  clouded  majesty,  at  length, 

Apparent  queen,  uuveil'd  her  peerless  light, 

And  o'er  the  dark  her  silver  mantle  threw  : 

When  Adam  thus  to  Eve,  "Fair  consort,  the  hour 

Of  night,  and  all  things  now  retired  to  rest, 

Mind  us  of  long  repose,  since  God  has  set 

Labour  and  rest,  as  day  and  night  to  men 

Successive,  and  the  timely  dew  of  sleep, 

Now  falling  with  soft  cumbrous  weight,  inclines 

Our  eyelids.     Other  creatures  all  day  long 

Rove  idle  unemployed,  and  less  need  rest : 

Man  hath  his  daily  work  of  body  or  mind 

Appointed,  which  declares  his  dignity, 

And  the  regard  of  heaven  on  all  his  ways, 

While  other  animals  inactive  range, 

And  of  their  doings  God  takes  no  account."        Milton. 

Then  is  the  time 
For  those  whom  wisdom,  and  whom  nature  charm, 
To  steal  themselves  from  the  degenerate  crowd. 
And  soar  above  this  little  scene  of  things ; 
To  tread  low-thoughted  vice  beneath  their  feet, 
To  soothe  the  throbbing  passions  into  peace, 
And  woo  lone  quiet  in  her  silent  walk-.  Thomson. 


206  EVENING. 

The  sun  hath  sunk  behind  the  hill, 

But  over  earth,  and  sky,  and  air, 
Eves  crimson  tints  are  glowing  still, 

And  tidings  of  to-morrow  bear. 

Thus  hope,  when  sinks  life's  happiness, 

Upon  our  night  of  sorrow  glows, 
Promising  brighter,  endless  bliss, 

After  our  pilgrimage  of  woes. 

The  longing  heart,  whose  wishes  spring 

To  fond  foreboding's  unknown  land, 
Borrows  imagination's  wing, 

Though  fettered  here  in  reason's  band. 

Presumptuous !  whither  would'st  thou  fly  ? 

Earth's  vapours  mock  thine  eye  of  clay. 
Mark  crimson  evening's  golden  sky, 

And  hope  the  morrow's  promised  day. 

From  the  Swedish  of  Ingelgren. 

Few  bring  back  at  eve, 
Immaculate,  the  manners  of  the  morn. 
Something  we  thought  is  blotted ;  we  resolved, 
Is  shaken ;  we  renounced,  returns  again.  Young. 

Sweet  after  showers,  ambrosial  air, 

That  rollest  from  the  gorgeous  gloom 

Of  evening,  over  brake,  and  bloom, 
And  meadow,  slowly  breathing  bare 

The  round  of  space,  and  rapt  below 

Through  all  the  dewy-tassell'd  wood, 

And  shadowing  down  the  horned  flood 
In  ripples,  fan  my  brows  and  blow 

The  fever  from  my  cheek,  and  sigh 
The  full  new  life  that  feeds  thy  breath 
Throughout  my  frame,  till  doubt  and  death, 

111  brethren,  let  the  fancy  fly 

From  belt  to  belt  of  crimson  seas 

On  leagues  of  odour  streaming  far, 

To  where  in  yonder  orient  star 
A  hundred  spirits  whisper  "Peace."  Tennyson. 


EVENING.  207 


Pleasantly  contest  thou, 
Dew  of  the  evening,  to  the  crisp'd  up  grass ; 

And  the  curl'd  corn-blades  bow, 

And  the  light  breezes  pass, 
That  their  parch'd  lips  may  feel  thee,  and  expand, 
Thou  sweet  reviver  of  the  fever'd  land. 

So,  to  the  thirsting  soul, 
Cometh  the  dew  of  the  Almighty's  love ; 

And  the  scathed  heart,  made  whole, 

Turneth  in  joy  above, 
To  where  the  spirit  freely  may  expand, 
And  rove,  untrammelled,  in  that  better  "land." 

W.  D.  Gallagher. 

Behold  the  western  evening-light ! 

It  melts  in  deepening  gloom  ; 
So  calmly  Christians  sink  away, 

Descending  to  the  tomb. 

The  winds  breathe  low ;  the  withering  leaf 

Scarce  whispers  from  the  tree  ; 
So  gently  flows  the  parting  breath, 

When  good  men  cease  to  be. 

How  beautiful  on  all  the  hills 

The  crimson  light  is  shed ! 
'T  is  like  the  peace  the  Christian  gives 

To  mourners  round  his  bed. 

How  mildly  on  the  wandering  cloud 

The  sunset  beam  is  cast ; 
'T  is  like  the  memory  left  behind, 

When  loved  ones  breathe  their  last. 

And  now  above  the  dews  of  night, 

The  yellow  star  appears  ; 
So  faith  springs  in  the  heart  of  those 

Whose  eyes  are  bathed  in  tears. 

But  soon  the  morning's  happier  light 

Its  glory  shall  restore, 
And  eyelids  that  are  seal'd  in  death, 

Shall  wake,  to  close  no  more.  Peabody. 


208  EXAMPLE. 


EXAMPLE. 

If  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet :  ye  also 
onght  to  wash  one  another's  feet. 

For  I  have  given  you  an  example,  that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done 
to  you.— John,  xiii.  14,  15. 

Be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.— I.  Timothy,  iv.  12. 

Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have  spoken  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  affliction,  and  of  patience. — 
James,  v.  10. 

Sodom  and  Goniorrha,  and  the  cities  about  them  in  like  manner, 
giving  themselves  over  to  fornication,  and  going  after  strange  flesh, 
are  set  forth  for  an  example,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire. 
— Jude,  i.  7. 

Taught  this  lie  his  example,  whom  I  now 
Acknowledge  my  Redeemer,  ever  blest !       Milton. 

Since  great  examples  justify  command, 
Let  glorious  acts  more  glorious  acts  inspire, 
And  catch  from  breast  to  breast  the  noble  fire. 

Pope,  from  Homer. 

His  faults,  that  in  a  private  station  sits, 
Do  mainly  harm  him  only  that  commits  : 
Those  placed  on  high  a  bright  example  owe, — 
Much  to  themselves,  more  to  the  crowd  below. 

A  paltry  watch,  in  private  pocket  borne, 
Misleads  but  him  alone  by  whom  't  is  worn : 
But  the  town-clock  that  domes  or  towers  display, 
By  going  wrong,  leads  half  the  world  astray. 

C.  C.  Cotton. 
Ye  who  look  for  great  examples 

O'er  the  wide  historic  page  : — 
Teachers,  who  with  good  ensamples 

Would  the  thoughts  of  youth  engage ! 
To  the  sacred  record  turning, 

There  behold  the  perfect  man! 
There  the  light,  for  ever  burning ; 

Match  its  lustre,  if  you  can ! 
Imitate  the  Great  Example, 

Humbly  as  a  Christian  should, 
Ever  like  that  bright  ensample, 

Speaking  well  and  doing  good.  Egone. 


FAITH.  20i) 


FAITH. 

FOE  therein  is  tin-  righteousness  of  God  revealed  trom  faith  to  faith: 

as  it  i-  written,  the  just  shall  live  i>\  faith.    Romans,  i.  17. 

Bo  then  faith  cometb  by  hearing,  and  bearing  bj  the  word  of  God. 

Etonians,  \.  17. 

Bj  grace  are  ye  Baved  throngb  faith.     Bpheaians,  ii.  8. 

The  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye  shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the 
flery  darts  of  the  wicked.    Ephesians,  vi.  16. 

Now  faith  i-  the  substance  of  things  hoped  tor,  the  evidence  of 
things  cot  seen.     Eebrews,  xi.  1. 

But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  Him  :  for  he  that  cometh 
to  Cod.  must  beheve  that  Be  is,  and  that  He  is  a  rewarder  of  them 
that  diligently  seek  Him.     Hebrews,  xi.  8. 

For  as  the  hotly  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  without  works 
is  dead  also.     James,  ii.  26. 


If  bliss  had  lien  in  art  or  strength, 
None  but  the  wise  and  strong  had  gained  it; 
Where  now,  by  faith,  all  arms  are  of  a  length; 

One  size  doth  all  conditions  fit. 

A  peasant  may  believe  as  much 
As  a  great  clerk,  and  reach  the  highest  stature  ; 
Thus  dost  thou  make  proud  knowledge  bend  and  crouch, 

While  grace  fills  up  uneven  nature. 

Faith  makes  me  any  thing,  or  all 
That  I  believe  is  in  the  sacred  story ; 
And  when  sin  placeth  me  in  Adam's  fall, 

Faith  sets  me  higher  in  his  glory. 

George  Herbert. 

From  purer  manners  to  sublirner/aeY/*, 
Is  nature's  unavoidable  ascent ; 
An  honest  deist,  where  the  gospel  shine-. 
Matured  to  nobler,  in  the  christian  ends. 

Young 

It'  weak  thy  faith,  why  choose  the  harder  side? 
We  nothing  know  but  w  hat  is  marvellous  ; 
Yet  what  is  marvellous,  we  can't  believe. 
So  weak  our  reason,  and  so  great  our  God, 
What  most  surprises  in  the  sacred  page, 
Or  full  as  strange,  or  stranger,  must  be  true. 
Faith  is  not  reason's  labour,  but  repose.  Young 

*  v 


210  FAITH. 

O  ye,  whom,  struggling  on  life's  craggy  road, 

With  obstacles  and  dangers,  secret  foes 

Supplant,  false  friends  betray,  disastrous  rage 

Of  elements,  of  war,  of  civil  broil 

Brings  down  to  Poverty's  cold  floor,  while  grief 

Preys  on  the  heart,  and  dims  the  sinking  eye ; 

Faint  not !     There  is,  who  rules  the  storm,  whose  hand 

Feeds  the  young  ravens,  nor  permits  blind  chance 

To  close  one  sparrow's  flagging  wing  in  death. 

Trust  in  the  rock  of  ages.     Now,  even  now 

He  speaks,  and  all  is  calm.     Or  if,  to  prove 

Your  inmost  soul,  the  hurricane  still  spread 

Its  licensed  ravages.     He  whispers  hope. 

Earnest  of  comfort ;  and  through  blackest  ni^ht 

Bids  keen-eyed  Faith  on  heaven's  pure  sunshine  gaze, 

And  learn  the  glories  of  her  future  home. 

Gishorne. 
The  pious  man 
In  this  bad  world,  when  mists  and  couchant  storms 
Hide  heaven's  fine  circlet,  spring  aloft  in  faith 
Above  the  clouds  that  threat  him,  to  the  fields 
Of  ether,  where  the  day  is  never  veiled 
"With  intervening  vapours,  and  looks  down 
Serene  upon  the  troublous  sea.  which  hides 
The  earth's  fair  breast ;  that  sea  whose  nether  face 
To  grovelling  mortals  frowns  and  darkens  all, 
But  on  whose  billowy  back,  from  man  conceal'd 
The  glowing  sunbeams  play.  H.  K.   While. 

Through  Faith  on  earth,  man  holds  a  life  sublime, 
And  in  the  past  and  future,  as  he  lists, 
Expatiates,  and  confers  with  every  clime. 
Through  faith  he  knows  whereby  the  frame  subsists. 
Of  the  expanded  universe,  by  whom 
Created,  and  whereto  it  yet  exists  ; 
A  stranger  and  a  pilgrim  till  the  tomb 
Opens  the  way  to  the  celestial  land, 
Where  God  prepares  a  city,  as  a  womb. 
So  hopeful  o'er  the  grave  the  faithful  stand, 
Wherein  their  brethren  in  the  dust  repose, 
Grasped  in  the  Father's  Omnipresent  hand. 

J.  A     Heraud. 


FAITH.  211 

I  saw  in  visions  of  still  thought  reveal'd, 
Two  silent  forms  before  me  ;  both  were  fair. 
But  yet  how  much  unlike  that  voiceless  pair, 
Except  in  outward  beauty.     One  appeal'd 
To  all,  save  hearts  by  pride  and  passion  steel'd, 
With  meek-eyed  gentleness ;  and  seem'd  to  wear 
Mixt  with  each  human  charm,  an  heaveulier  air. 
To  which   humanity  had  wisely  kneel'd. 

Beautiful  was  the  other's  speechless  shade, 
And  called  herself  Philosophy ;  but  proud, 
Cold,  statue-like,  she  look'd  upon  the  crowd, 

Who  to  the  lovelier  spirit  homage  paid — 
Her  name  was  Scepticism  !     That  gentler  m  kid 
Was  titled  Faith  by  acclamation  Loud!  B.  Barton. 

Behold  the  chamber  where  the  Christian  sleeps, 

And  where,  from  year  to  year,  he  prays  and  weeps ; 

Whence,  in  the  midnight  watch,  his  prayers  arise 

To  those  bright  mansions  where  his  treasure  lies, 

How  near  it  is  to  all  that  Faith  can  see ; 

How  short  and  peaceful  may  his  passage  be ! 

One  beating  pulse,  one  feeble  struggle  o'er, 

May  open  wide  the  everlasting  door; 

Yes,  for  that  bliss  unspeakable  unseen, 

Is  ready,  and  the  veil  of  flesh  between 

A  gentle  sigh  may  rend,  and  then  display 

The  broad  full  splendour  of  an  endless  day. 

— This  bright  conviction  elevates  his  mind, 

He  presses  forward,  leaving  all  behind. 

Thus  from  his  throne  the  tyrant  foe  is  hurl'd — 

This  is  the  Faith  that  overcomes  the  world. 

Jane  Taylor. 

Thou  ask'st  why  Christ  so  lenient  to  the  deed, 
So  sternly  claims  the  Faith  which  founds  the  creed ; 
Because,  reposed  in  Faith,  the  soul  has  calm  ; 
The  hope  a  haven,  and  the  wound  a  balm ; 
Because  the  light,  dim  seen  in  Reason's  dream, 
On  all  alike,  through  fa  it  h  alone,  could  stream. 
God  willed  support  to  weakness,  joy  to  grief, 
And  so  descended  from  His  throne,  Belief! 

Sir  E.  B.  Lytton. 


212  FAITH. 


To  reason  less  is  to  imagine  more ; 
They  most  aspire,  who,  meekly,  most  adore — 
Therefore  the  God-like  Comforter's  decree — 
"His  sins  be  loosened  who  hath  faith  in  me." 

Sir  E.  B.  Lytton. 

O,  thou  that  rearest  with  celestial  aim 

Thy  future  seraph  in  my  mortal  frame, 

Thrice  holy  Faith  1  whatever  thorns  I  meet, 

As  on  I  totter  with  unpractised  feet, 

Still  let  me  stretch  my  arms,  and  cling  to  thee, 

Meek  nurse  of  souls,  through  my  long  infancy ! 

Coleridge. 

As  evening's  pale  and  solitary  star 

But  brightens  while  the  darkness  gathers  round ; 
So  Faith,  unmoved  amid  surrounding  storms, 

Is  fairest  seen  in  darkness  most  profound. 

However  deep  be  the  mysterious  word, 
However  dark,  she  disbelieves  it  not ; 

Where  reason  would  examine,  Faith  obeys, 
And  "It  is  written"  answers  every  doubt. 

Caroline  Fry. 

Lo,  when  dangers  closer  threaten, 

And  thy  soul  draws  near  to  death ; 
When  assaulted  sore  by  Satan, 

Then  present  the  shield  of  Faith  : 
Fiery  darts  of  fierce  temptations, 

Intercepted  by  thy  God, 
Then  shall  lose  their  force  hi  patience, 

Sheathed  in  love,  and  quenched  in  blood.    Hart. 


Redeemed  from  fear,  and  washed  from  lustful  blot, 
By  Faith  we  then  might  rise  above  our  lot ; 
And  like  Thy  chosen  few,  restored  within, 
By  hearts,  as  morning  pure,  might  conquer  sin. 

Faith,  Hope,  and  Love,  together  work  in  gloom ; 
What  Faith  believes,  Hope  shapes  in  form  and  bloom, 
And  Love  sends  forth  to  daylight  from  the  tomb. 

John  Sterling. 


FAITH.  213 

0  thou  of  little  faith,  lift  up  thine  eyes ! 

Are  the  ten  thousand  glorious  stars  of  night 
But  a  vain  dream,  because  thy  feeble  sight 

May  not  behold  them  in  the  noon-day  skies? 

Mary  Hoicitt. 

The  steps  of  Faith 
Fall  on  the  seeming  void,  and  find 

The  Rock  beneath.  J.  G.  Whittier. 


Lady,  there  is  one  star,  and  one  alone, 

That  tells  the  future.     Its  interpreter 

Is  in  man's  heart,  and  is  called  Conscience: 

The  star,  True  Faith;  the  future  that  it  shows 

Is  beyond  human  life.  G.  P.  H.  James. 


Faith  is  the  Spirit's  sweet  control, 

From  which  assurance  springs, 
Faith  is  the  pencil  of  the  soul, 

That  pictures  heavenly  things. 

Faith  is  the  conq'ring  host  tha.t  storms 

The  battlements  of  sin, 
Faith  is  the  quick'ning  fire  that  warms 

The  trembling  heart  within. 

O  Rock  of  Ages,  Fount  of  Bliss, 

Thy  needful  help  afford, 
And  let  our  constant  prayer  be  this — 
"Increase  my  faith,  O  Lord."  J.  Burbidge. 


We  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight, 

Along  this  vale  of  tears, 
'Till  our  wrapt  souls  shall  wing  their  flight 

To  Heaven's  unclouded  spheres. 

Triumphant  then  o'er  sin  and  death, 

We'll  praise  our  living  head, 
And,  looking  back,  behold  the  path, 


Through  which  we  have  been  led. 


W.  J.  Brock. 


211  FALL. 


FALL. 


The  steps  of  a  good  man  are  ordered  by  the  Lord  :  and  he  delighteth 
in  his  way. 

Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down :  for  the  Lord 
upholdeth  him  with  his  hand. — Psalm  xxxvii.  23.  24. 

And  every  one  that  heareth  these  sayings  of  mine,  and  doeth  them 
not,  shall  be  likened  unto  a  foolish  man,  which  built  his  house  upon 
the  sand : 

And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds  blew, 
and  beat  upon  that  house  ;  and  it  fell:  and  great  was  the  fall  of  it. — 
Matthew,  vii.  26,  27. 

And  Simeon  blessed  them,  and  said  unto  Mary  his  mother,  Behold, 
this  child  is  set  for  the  fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in  Israel. — 
Luke,  ii.  34. 

Pooe  race  of  men !  said  the  pitying  Spirit, 

E'early  ye  pay  for  your  primal  Fall — 
Some  flowerets  of  Eden  ye  still  inherit, 

But  the  trail  of  the  serpent  is  over  them  all ! 

Thomas  Moore. 
Alas — the  evil  that  we  fain  would  shun 
We  do,  and  leave  the  wished-for  good  undone  ; 

Our  strength  to-day 
Is  but  to-morrow's  weakness,  prone  to  fall; 
Poor,  blind,  unprofitable  servants,  all, 

Are  we  alway.  J.  G.  Whittier. 

Grim-hearted  world,  that  look'st  with  Levite  eyes 

On  those  poor  fallen  by  too  much  faith  in  man, 
She  that  upon  thy  freezing  threshold  lies, 

Starved  to  more  sinning  by  thy  savage  ban, — 
Seeking  that  refuge  because  foulest  vice 

More  godlike  than  thy  virtue  is,  whose  span 
Shuts  out  the  wretched  only, — is  more  free 
From  all  her  crimes  than  thou  wilt  ever  be. 
Thou  wilt  not  let  her  wash  thy  dainty  feet 

With  such  salt  things  as  tears,  or  with  rude  hair 
Dry  them,  soft  Pharisee,  that  sit'st  at  meat 

With  him  who  made  her  such,  and  speak'st  him  fair, 
Leaving  God's  wandering  lamb  the  while  to  bleat 

Unheeded,  shivering  in  the  pitiless  air  : 
Thou  hast  made  prisoned  virtue  shew  more  wan 
And  haggard,  than  a  vice  to  look  upon. 

James  R.  Lowell. 


215 


FAME. 


So  the  Lord  was  with  Joshua  ;  and  his  fame  was  QoiBed  throughout 

all  the  country.— Joshua,  vi.  L'T. 

And  the  fame  of  David  went  out  into  all  lands  ;  and  the  Lord  brought 

r  of  him  upon  all  nations.     I.  Chronicles,  \iv.  17. 

And  Jesus  went  about  all  Galilee,  teaching  in  their  synagogues,  and 
preaching  the  ,_'<>s!>el  of  the  kingdom,  and  healing  all  manner  of  sick- 
ness and  all  manner  of  disease  among  the  i>eople. 

And  his  fame  went   throughout  all  Syria. — Matthew,  iv.  28,  24. 

But  Fame,  alarmed,  o'er  Libya's  cities  flies : 

Fame,  the  most  fleet  of  mischief's  progenies  : 

Who  gathers  speed  from  every  passing  hour ; 

Grows  as  she  moves,  and  travels  into  power. 

Timid  and  small  at  first,  at  length  she  shrouds, 

While  treading   on   the   ground,  her   forehead  in  the 

clouds. 
Offended  at  the  gods,  great  parent  Earth, 
'T  is  said,  in  vengeance  gave  the  monster  birth, 
Of  all  her  giant  family  the  last; 
A  swift-wing'd  portent,  foul,  deform'd,  and  vast, 
Beneath  each  numerous  plume,  that  lifts  her  flight, 
An  active  eye  extends  her  scope  of  sight. 
As  many  ears,  and  mouths,  and  tongues  she  moves, 
To  catch  and  spread  the  rumours  as  she  roves. 
Midway  'twixt  heaven  and  earth,  through  night  she  flies 
Clanging,  nor  bathes  in  dewy  sleep  her  eyes. 
By  day  she  keeps  on  watch,  and  takes  her  stand 
On  some  high  roof  or  tower  of  wide  command ; 
And  thence,  alike  for  truth  or  falsehood  loud, 
She  shakes  the  city  and  distracts  the  crowd. 

Sym mons,  frovi  Virgil. 
Let  fame,  that  all  hunt  after  in  their  lives, 
Live  register'd  upon  our  brazen  tombs, 
And  then  grace  us  in  the  disgrace  of  death  ; 
When,  spite  of  cormorant-devouring  time, 
The  endeavour  of  his  present  death  may  buy 
That  honour,  which  shall  bate  his  scythe's  keen  edge, 
And  makes  us  heirs  of  all  eternity.  Shakspcre. 

Then  straight  thro'  all  the  world  'gun  fame  to  fly  ; 

A  monster  swifter  none  is  under  sun  ; 
Increasing,  as  in  waters  we  discry 
The  circles  small,  of  nothing  that  begun, 


216  FAME. 

Till  of  the  drops,  which,  from  the  skies  do  fall, 
The  circles  spread  and  hide  the  waters  all. 

Sackville. 

Fame  is  the  spur  that  the  clear  spirit  doth  raise 

(That  last  infirmity  of  noble  minds) 
To  scorn  delights,  and  live  laborious  days. 

Fame  is  no  plant  that  grows  on  mortal  soil, 

Nor  in  the  glittering  foil, 
Set  off  to  the  world,  nor  in  broad  rumour  lies. 

Milton. 
~Forfame  the  wretch  beneath  the  gallows  lies, 
Disowning  every  crime  for  which  he  dies, 
Of  life  profuse,  tenacious  of  a  name, 
Fearless  of  death,  and  yet  afraid  of  shame. 
Nature  has  wove  into  the  human  mind 
This  anxious  care  of  names  we  leave  behind, 
To  extend  our  narrow  views  beyond  the  tomb, 
And  give  an  earnest  of  a  life  to  come  ; 
For,  if  when  dead,  we  are  but  dust  or  clay, 
Why  think  of  what  posterity  shall  say  ? 
Her  praise  or  censure  cannot  us  concern, 
Nor  ever  penetrate  the  silent  urn.  Soame  Jennins. 

All  fame  is  foreign,  but  of  true  desert ; 

Plays  round  the  head,  but  comes  not  near  the  heart : 

One  self-approving  hour  whole  years  outweighs 

Of  stupid  starers,  and  of  loud  huzzas  ; 

And  more  true  joy  Marcellus  exil'd  feels. 

Than  Caesar  with  a  senate  at  his  heels. 

****** 

And  what  is  fame?  the  meanest  have  their  day  ; 

The  greatest  can  but  blaze,  and  pass  away.  Pope. 

I  hate  this  Fame,  false  avarice  of  fancy, 

The  sickly  shade  of  an  unsolid  greatness ! 

The  lying  lure  of  pride  that  Europe  cheats  by.      Kill. 

Absurd  !  to  think  to  overreach  the  grave, 

And  from  the  wreck  of  names  to  rescue  ours  : 

The  best  concerted  schemes  men  lay  for  fame, 

Die  fast  away  ;  only  themselves  die  faster.  Blair. 


1AME.  217 

Not  inspiration  can  obtain 
That  fame,  which  poets  languish  for  in  vain. 
How  mad  their  aim,  who  thirst  for  glory,  strive 
To  grasp,  what  no  man  can  possess  alive! 
Fames  a  reversion  in  which  men  take  place 
(O  late  reversion  !)  at  their  own  decease.  Young. 


Of  all  the  phantoms  fleeting  in  the  mist 
Of  Time,  though  meagre  all,  and  ghostly  thin, 
Most  unsubstantial,  unessential  shade, 
Was  earthly  Fame.     She  was  a  voice  alone, 
And  dwelt  upon  the  noisy  tongues  of  men. 
She  never  thought,  but  gabbled  ever  on, 
Applauding  most  what  least  deserved  applause. 
The  motive,  the  result,  was  nought  to  her. 
The  deed  alone,  though  dyed  in  human  gore, 
And  steeped  in  widows'  tears,  if  it  stood  out 
To  prominent  display,  she  talked  of  much, 
And  roared  around  it  with  a  thousand  tongues. 
As  changed  the  wind  her  organ,  so  she  changed 
Perpetually;  and  whom  she  praised  to-day, 
Vexing  his  ear  with  acclamations  loud, 
To-morrow  blamed,  and  hissed  him  out  of  sight. 

Pollok. 

TrMefames  a  plant  that  seems  to  need 
A  body  buried — for  its  seed ; 
And  ere  the  churlish  sucklings  thrive, 
The  parent-stock  must  cease  to  live. 

The  good,  the  great,  the  wise,  the  just, 

Are  little  valued  till  they  're  dust, 

Nor  till  they  mutter  '"Earth  to  earth," 

Can  men  perceive  another's  worth.       C.  C.  Colton. 


"What  though  the  mounds  that  mark'd  each  name, 

Beneath  the  wings  of  Time, 
Have  worn  away? — Theirs  is  the  fame 

Immortal  and  sublime ; 
For  who  can  tread  on  Freedom's  plain, 
Nor  wake  her  dead  to  life  again.  R.  Montgomery. 


218  FAREWELL. 


FAEEWELL. 

Another  said,  Lord,  I  will  follow  Thee;   bat  let  me  first  go  bid 
them  farewell,  which  are  at  home  at  my  house. — Luke,  ix.  61. 

When  they  desired  him  to  tarry  longer  time  with  them,  he  c<  ins 
not;  but  bade  them  farewell.— Acts,  xviii.  20,  21. 

Finally,  brethren,  farewell.— II.  Corinthians,  xiii.  11. 

Farewell !     There  is  a  spell  within  the  word  ; 

Rethinks  I  never  heard  it  sound  so  mournful  ; 

Oh,  thou  subdued,  oft  scarce  articulate  sound. 

How  powerful  thou  art!     How  strong  to  movt' 

The  hidden  strings  that  guide  us  puppet  mortals  ! 

Pass-word  of  memory — of  by-gone  days — 

Thou  everlasting  epitaph — is  there 

A  land  in  which  thou  hast  no  dwelling-place  ? 

Wherein  may  be  nor  pageantry  nor  pride, 

Nor  altars,  save  the  pure  one  of  the  heart, 

Nor  tombs,  except  for  sorrow ;  and  no  tears  ; 

There  is  a  world,  Oh  God,  where  human  lips 

May  say  Farewell  1  no  more.  Dilnot  SI  adder.. 

When  eyes  are  beaming 

What  never  tongue  might  tell, 
When  tears  are  streaming 

From  their  crystal  cell: 
When  hands  are  link'd  that  dread  to  part. 
And  heart  is  met  by  throbbing  heart, 
Oh !  bitter,  bitter  is  the  smart 

Of  them  that  bid  Farewell  ! 

When  hope  is  chidden, 

That  fain  of  bliss  would  tell, 
And  love  forbidden 

In  the  breast  to  dwell: 
When  fettered  by  a  viewless  chain, 
We  turn  and  gaze,  and  turn  again  ; 
Oh !  death  were  mercy  to  the  pain 

Of  them  that  bid  Farewell.  Bishop   Heber. 

'T  is  well,  if  well  thou  farest 

Upon  thy  heavenly  way  ; 
With  joy  the  lips  that  love  thee 

Then  Fare-thee-well  may  say.  Egone. 


FATHER.  219 

FATHER. 

Thk  Mighty  God,  the  everlasting  Father.— Isaiah,  \\.  »'>. 

O  Lord,  Thou  art  our  Father;  we  are  the  day,  and  Thou  our  pot- 
ter: and  we  all  are  the  work  of  Thy  hand.-  Isaiah,  l\iv.  B. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed  be  Thy  name. 

kingdom  come.    Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  Heaven. 
—Matthew,  vi.  9,  10. 

We  have  one  Father,  even  God.— John.  viii.  41. 

Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect   gift   is  from  above,  and  omuth 
il>wn  from  the  Father  of  lights,    with   whom    is    no    variableness, 

neither  shadow  of  turning.— James,  i.  IT. 

Father,  King,  -whose  heav'nly  face 
Shines  serene  upon  our  race  ; 
Mindful  of  Thy  guardian  care, 
Slow  to  punish,  prone  to  spare  ; 
We  Thy  majesty  adore, 
We  Thy  well-known  aid  implore  ; 
Not  in  vain  Thy  aid  we  call, 
Nothing  want,  for  Thou  art  all ! 

Source  of  being,  source  of  light, 

With  unfading  beauties  bright ; 

Thee,  when  morning  greets  the  skies, 

Blushing  sweet  with  humid  eyes : 

Thee,  when  soft  declining  day 

Sinks  in  purple  waves  away  ; 

Thee,  O  Parent,  will  I  sing, 

To  Thy  feet  my  tribute  bring !  Wesley. 

Father  and  Friend !  Thy  light,  Thy  love, 
Beaming  through  all  Thy  works  we  see ; 

Thy  glory  gilds  the  heavens  above, 
And  all  the  earth  is  full  of  Thee. 

Thy  voice  we  hear,  Thy  presence  feel, 
Whilst  Thou,  too  pure  for  mortal  sight. 

Involved  in  clouds  invisible, 
Reignest  the  Lord  of  life  and  light. 

We  know  not  in  what  hallowed  part 

Of  the  wide  heavens  Thy  throne  may  be ; 

But  this  we  know,  that  where  Thou  art. 

Strength,  wisdom,  goodness  dwell  with  Thee. 


220 


And  through  the  various  maze  of  time, 

And  through  the  infinity  of  space, 
We  follow  Thy  career  sublime, 

And  all  Thy  wondrous  footsteps  trace. 

Thy  children  shall  not  faint  nor  fear, 

Sustained  by  this  delightful  thought, 
Since  Thou  their  God  art  everywhere, 

They  cannot  be  where  Thou  art  not.  Anon. 

The  Sabbath  sun  was  setting  slow, 

Amidst  the  clouds  of  even ; 
"Our  Father,"  — breathed  a  voice  below — 

"Father,  who  art  in  Heaven!" 

Beyond  the  earth — beyond  the  cloud — 

Those  infant  words  were  given ; 
"Our  Father,"  angels  sang  aloud — 

"Father,  who  art  in  Heaven !" 

"Thy  kingdom  come" — still  from  the  ground, 

That  childlike  voice  did  pray  ; 
"Thy  kingdom  come" — God's  hosts  resound — 

Far  up  the  starry  way ! 

"Thy  will  be  done," — with  little  tongue, 

That  lisping  love  implores  ; 
"Thy  will  be  done," — the  angelic  throng — 

Sing  from  seraphic  shores  ! 

"For  ever," — still  those  lips  repeat, 

Their  closing  evening  prayer  ; 
"For  ever," — floats  in  music  sweet — 

High  'midst  the  angels  there ! 

Thine  be  the  glory  evermore, 

From  Thee  may  man  ne'er  sever ; 
But  every  Christian  land  adore 

Jehovah! — God! — forever!  C.  Swain. 


One  father  have  we  here  on  earth, 

Another  up  in  heaven  ; 
By  Him  to  us  the  second  birth, 

And  lasting  life  is  given.  Fgone. 


FEAR.  221 


FEAE. 

The  far  of  the  wicked  it  shall  come  upon  him :  but  the  &  - 
the  righteous  shall  be  granted.— Proverbs,  x.  34* 

The  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  snare  :  but  whoso  putteth  his  trust  in 
the  Lord  shall  be  safe.— Proverb-.  x\:\.  .'". 

Say  to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart,  Be  strong,  fmr  not  :  behold 
your  God  will  come  with  vengeance,  even  God  with  a  recompense;  He 
will  come  and  save  you. — Isaiah,  xxxv.  4. 

ftar  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul : 
but  rather  fear  Him  which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  bodv  in 
helL— Matthew.  \. 

For  God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear:  but  of  power,  and  of 
love,  and  of  a  sound  mind. — II.  Timothy,  i.  7. 

So  that  we  may  boldly  say,  The  Lord  is  my  helper,  and  I  will  not 
fear  what  man  shall  do  unto  me.— Hebrews,  xiii.  ti. 

Since  nature's  work  be  good,  and  death  doth  come 

As  nature's  work,  why  should  vrefear  to  die? 
Since  fear  is  vain,  but  when  it  may  presume, 

Why  should  we  fear  that  which  we  cannot  fly  ? 
Fear  is  more  pain  than  is  the  pain  it  fears, 

Disarming  human  minds  of  native  might ; 
While  each  conceit  an  ugly  figure  bears, 

Which  were  not  ill  well  viewed  in  reason's  light. 

Sir  P.  Sidney. 
Persuade  them  then, 
Fearless   to  be  resolved  to  die  like  men  ; 
For  want  of  such  a  resolution  stings 
At  point  of  death,  and  dreadful  horror  brings 
Ev'n  to  the  soul ;  'cause,  wanting  preparation, 
She  dies,  despairing  of  ber  own  salvation. 
Yea,  and  moreover  this  full  well  know  I, 
He  that's  at  any  time  afraid  to  die, 
Is  in  weak  case,  and  whatsoe'er  he  saith, 
Hath  but  a  wavering  and  a  feeble  faith. 

George   Wither. 

Fear  on  guilt  attends,  and  deeds  of  darkness ; 

The  virtuous  breast  ne'er  knows  it.  Havard. 

Some,  for  fear  of  want, 
Want  all  their  lives  ;  and  others  ev'ry  day, 
For  fear  of  dying,  suffer  worse  than  death. 
Ah !  from  your  bosoms  banish  if  you  can 


222 

That  fatal  guest,  I  mean  the  demon  fear, 

That  trembles  at  impossible  events, 

Lest  aged  Atlas  should  resign  his  load, 

And  Heaven's  eternal  battlements  rush  down. 

Is  there  an  evil  worse  than  fear  itself? 

And  what  avails  it,  that  indulgent  Heav'n 

From  mortal  eyes  has  wrapt  the  woes  to  come, 

If  we,  ingenious  to  torment  ourselves, 

Grow  pale  at  hideous  fictions  of  our  own  ? 

Enjoy  the  present,  nor  with  needless  cares 

Of  what  may  spring  from  blind  Misfortune's  womb 

Appal  the  surest  hour  that  life  bestows ; 

Serene  and  master  of  yourself,  prepare 

For  what  may  come,  and  leave  the  rest  to  heaven. 

Armstrong. 
God's  altar  grasping  with  an  eager  hand, 
Fear,  the  wild-visaged,  pale,  eye-starting  wretch, 
Sure-refuged,  hears  his  hot-pursuing  fiends 
Yell  at  vain  distance.     Soon  refreshed  from  Heaven, 
He  calms  the  throb  and  tempest  of  his  heart, 
His  countenance  settles  ;  a  soft  solemn  bliss 
Swims  in  his  eye — his  swimming  eye  upraised  : 
And  faith's  whole  armour  glitters  on  his  limbs ! 
And  thus  transfigured  with  a  dreadless  awe, 
A  solemn  hush  of  soul,  meek  he  beholds 
All  things  of  terrible  seeming.  Coleridye. 

Happy  beyond  description  he 

Who/hzr*  the  Lord  his  God, 
Who  hears  His  threats  with  holy  awe 

And  trembles  at  His  rod. 

Let  fear  and  love,  most  holy  God. 

Possess  this  soul  of  mine. 
Then  shall  I  worship  Thee  aright, 

And  taste  Thy  joys  divine.  Needham. 

My  son,  be  this  thy  simple  plan : 

Fear  God  and  love  thy  fellow-man ; 

Forget  not  in  temptation's  hour 

That  sin  lends  sorrow  double  power : 

With  hand,  and  brow,  and  bosom  clear. 

Fear  God  and  know  no  others/ear.  Anon. 


FELLOWSHIP.  223 


FELLOWSHIP. 

SHALL  the  throne  of  imqoity  have /eKotMMp  with  thee,  which  frametta 
mischief  bj   a  law.  —Psalm  xciv.  "iu. 

Have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness, but  rather 
reprove  them. — Bphesians,  v.  11. 

That  which  we  have  seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto  yon,  that  w 
also  may  have  fellowship  with  us  ;  and  truly  our  fellowship  Is  with  the 
Father,  and  with  his  Bon  Jesns  Christ.— I.  John,  i.  8. 

We  would  not  die  in  that  man's  company, 

That  fears  his  fellowship  to  die  with  us.         Shakspere. 

From  blissful  bowers 
Of  amaranthine  shade,  fountain  or  spring, 
By  the  waters  of  life  where'er  they  sat. 
In  felloicshijp  of  joy.  Milton. 

The  blessings  which  the  poor  and  weak  can  scatter 

Have  their  own  season.     'T  is  a  little  thing 

To  give  a  cup  of  water ;  yet  its  draught 

Of  cool  refreshment,  drained  by  fevered  lips, 

May  give  a  shock  of  pleasure  to  the  frame, 

More  exquisite  than  when  nectarean  juice 

Renews  the  life  of  joy  in  happiest  hours. 

It  is  but  a  little  thing  to  speak  a  phrase 

Of  common  comfort,  which  by  daily  use 

Has  almost  lost  its  sense  ;  yet  on  the  ear 

Of    him  who  thought  to  die  unmourned,  'twill  fall 

Like  choicest  music  ;  fill  the  glazing  eye 

With  gentle  tears  ;  relax  the  knotted  hand 

To  know  the  bonds  of  fellowship  again.  Talfonrd. 

O,  sweet  it  is,  through  life's  dark  way 

In  Christian  fellowship  to  move, 
Illumed  by  one  unclouded  ray, 

And  one  in  faith,  in  hope,  in  love. 

Charlotte  Elizabeth 

How  sweet  it  is  when  friend  with  friend 

In  holy  fellowship  can  walk  ! 
When  thoughts  and  sympathies  may  blend. 

And  hearts  be  open  as  their  talk  ! 
Such  \\  ill  the  preparation  prove 
For  hxstmg  fellotvship  above.  Egone. 


224  FINISHED. 


FINISHED. 

Mo&EOVER  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  saying,  The  hands 
of  Zerubbabel  have  laid  the  foundation  of  this  house  ;  his  hands  shall 
also  finish  it. — Zechariah,  iv.  8,  9. 

When  Jesus  therefore  had  received  the  vinegar,  he  said.  It  is  finished; 
and  he  bowed  his  head,  and  gave  up  the  ghost.— John.  xix.  30. 

As  he  had  begun,  so  he  would  also  finish  in  you  the  same  grace  also. 
— II.  Corinthians,  viii.  6. 

He  that  of  greatest  works  is  finisher, 
Oft  does  them  by  the  weakest  minister. 

Shahspere. 
O  prophet  of  glad  tidings  !  finisher 
Of  utmost  hope.  Milton. 

Though  here  you  all  perfection  should  not  find, 

Yet  it  is  all  the  Eternal  will  designed ; 

It  is  &  finished  work,  and  perfect  in  its  kind. 

Blackmore. 
Hark  !  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy 

Sounds  aloud  from  Calvary  ! 
See  !  it  rends  the  rocks  asunder, 
Shakes  the  earth  and  veils  the  sky ! 

"It  is  finished  /" 
Hear  the  dying  Saviour  cry ! 
"It  is  finished  !" — O  what  pleasure 
Do  those  charming  words  afford  ! 
Heavenly  blessings  without  measure 
Flow  to  us  from  Christ  the  Lord  : 

"It  is  finished  !" — 
Saints  the  dying  words  record. 
Finished  all  the  types  and  shadows 

Of  the  ceremonial  law  ! 
Finished  all  that  God  had  promised  ; 
Death  and  hell  no  more  shall  awe  : 

"It  is  finished  /" — 
Saints  from  hence  their  comfort  draw. 
Happy  souls,  approach  the  table, 

Taste  the  soul-reviving  food  ; 
Nothing's  half  so  sweet  and  pleasant 
As  the  Saviour's  flesh  and  blood  : 

"It  is  finished  /" — 
Christ  has  borne  the  heavy  load.  J.  Evans. 


FLOOD.  225 


FLOOD. 

And  the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the  earth. — Genesis,  vii.  17. 

The  Lord  sitteth  upon  the  flood:  yea  the  Lord  sitteth  King  for  ever. 
—Psalm  xxix.  10. 

For  as  in  the  days  that  were  before  the  flood  they  were  eating  and 
drinking,  marrying  and  giving  in  marriage,  until  the  day  that  Noe 
entered  Into  the  ark. 

And  knew  not  until  the  flood  came,  and  took  them  all  away ;  so 
shall  also  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  Man  be. — Matthew,  xxiv.  38,  39. 

By  faith  Noah,  being  warned  of  God  of  things  not  seen  as  yet, 
moved  with  fear,  prepared  an  ark  to  the  saving  of  his  house  ;  by  which 
he  condemned  the  world,  and  became  heir  of  the  righteousness  which 
is  by  faith. — Hebrews,  xi.  7. 

God  spared  not  the  old  world,  but  saved  Noah,  the  eighth  person. 
a  preacher  of  righteousness,  bringing  in  the  flood  upon  the  world  of 
the  ungodly.— II.  Peter,  ii.  5. 

He  preached 
Conversion  and  repentance,  as  to  souls 
In  prison  under  dangers  imminent : 
But  all  in  vain,  which,  when  he  saw,  he  ceased 
Contending,  and  removed  his  tents  far  off, 
Then  from  the  mountain  hewing  timbers  tall, 
Began  to  build  a  vessel  of  huge  bulk.  Milton. 

And  now,  the  thickening  sky 
Like  a  dark  ceiling  stood  ;  down  rushed  the  rain 
Impetuous,  and  continued  till  the  earth 
No  more  was  seen.     The  floating  vessel  swam 
Uplifted,  and  secure  with  beaked  prow, 
Rode  tilting  o'er  the  waves  ;  all  dwellings  else 
Flood  overwhelmed,  and  them,  with  all  their  pomp, 
Deep  under  water  rolled  ;  sea  covered  sea, 
Sea  without  shore ;  and  in  their  palaces, 
Where  luxury  late  reigned,  sea  monsters  whelped 
And  stabled.     Of  mankind,  so  numerous  late, 
All  left  in  one  small  bottom  swam  imbarked.       Milton, 

Methinks  I  see  a  distant  vessel  ride, 
A  lonely  object  on  the  shoreless  tide, 
Within  whose  ark  the  innocent  have  found 
Safety,  when  stayed  destruction  ravens  round ; 
Thus,  in  the  hour  of  vengeance,  God,  who  knows 
His  servants,  spares  them,  while  He  smites  His  foes. 

James  Montgomery. 


226  FLOOD. 


Sunk  beneath  the  wave, 
The  guilty  share  an  universal  grave  ; 
One  wilderness  of  waters  rolls  in  view, 
And  heaven  and  ocean  wear  one  turbid  hue ; 
Still  stream  unbroken  torrents  from  the  skies, 
Higher,  beneath,  the  inundations  rise ; 
A  lurid  twilight  glares  athwart  the  scene, 
Now  thunders  peal,  faint  lightnings  flash  between. 

James  Montgomery. 

Down  rush  the  torrents  from  above ;  the  deep 
Opens  in  all  its  fountains,  ceaseless,  still 
Ceaseless :  the  muddy  waters  eddying  fill 
The  valleys.     High  on  every  mound  and  steep, 
In  crowds,  men,  women,  children,  cattle,  sheep, 

Stand  shivering  with  dismay,  the  horrible 

Confusion  eyeing  ;  and,  from  hill  to  hill, 
They  shout  in  agony,  or  shriek,  or  weep, 

In  vain  !  the  waters  gain  upon  them.     Lo  ! 
The  ark  careering  past,  their  hands  they  stretch 
For  help ;  and  now  you  see  some  drowning  wretch 

Pursue  the  sacred  vessel ;  but  in  woe 
No  pity  must  they  have  ;  so  on  they  go. — 
Now  all  is  one  wide  sea  without  a  beach. 

Mo  re  head. 

Behold  the  awful  Deity  enthroned 

In  darkness  awful — inaccessible, 

And  order  almost  unto  chaos  changed  ; 

Tremendous  gloom !  that  blots  the  sun's  bright  beams, 

And  more  than  midnight  horrors  shroud  the  skies, 

The  faint  grey  twilight  gleaming  thro'  the  clouds, 

Discover,  floating  on  a  shoreless  sea, 

The  chosen  eight  embosom'd  in  the  Ark, 

One  family  preserved  to  renovate 

The  world,  Jehovah's  judgments  have  destroyed. 

But  see  the  bow  its  new-created  dyes 
Begin  to  beam  propitious  from  the  cloud — 
"Destructive  waters  shall  no  more  prevail, 
No  more  become  &  flood  upon  the  earth." 

S.  Hughes. 


FLOWEES.  227 


FLOWERS. 

Max  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days,  and  full  of  trouble. 

He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down. — Job,  xiv.  1,  2. 

As  far  man,  his  days  are  as  grass:  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he 
nourisheth.— Psalm  ciii.  15. 

Consider  the  lilies  how  they  grow :  they  toil  not,  they  spin  not ; 
and  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that  Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed 
like  one  of  these. 

If  then  God  so  clothe  the  grass,  which  is  to-day  in  the  field,  and 
to-morrow  is  cast  into  the  oven  ;  how  much  more  will  He  clothe  you, 
O  ye  of  little  faith.— Luke,  xii.  'J 7.  28. 

Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice  in  that  he  is  exalted : 

But  the  rich  in  that  he  is  made  low :  because  as  the  flower  of  the 
grass,  he  shall  pass  away. — James,  i.  9.  10. 

For  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  glory  of  man  as  the  flower  of 
grass.  The  grass  witnereth,  and  the  flower  thereof  falletii  away  :  but 
the  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  ever.— I.  Peter,  i.  24.  1~>. 

When  with  a  serious  musing  I  behold 

The  grateful  and  obsequious  marigold; 

How  duly  every  morning  she  displays 

Her  open  breast.     When  Titan  spreads  his  rays, 

How  she  observes  him  in  his  daily  walk. 

Still  bending  towards  him  her  small  slender  stalk. 

For  when  he  down  declines,  she  droops  and  mourns. 

Bedew'd  as  't  were,  with  tears  till  he  returns ; 

And  how  she  veils  her  flowers  when  he  is  gone, 

As  if  she  scorned  to  be  looked  on 

By  an  inferior  eye,  or  did  contemn 

To  wait  upon  a  meaner  light  than  him. 

When  thus  I  meditate,  methinks  the  flowers 

Have  spirits  far  more  generous  than  ours ; 

And  give  us  fair  examples  to  despise 

The  servile  fawning  and  idolatries 

Wherewith  we  court  these  earthly  things  below, 

Which  merit  not  the  service  we  bestow. 

George    Wither. 

To  me  the  meanest  flower  that  blows  can  give 
Thoughts  that  do  often  lie  too  deep  for  tears. 

Wordsworth. 

Foster  the  good,  and  thou  shalt  tend  the  flower 

Already  sown  on  earth  ; — 
Foster  the  beautiful,  and  every  hour, 

Thou  call'st  new  flowers  to  birth.  Schiller. 


----- 


: :  -     • :    :  :  5  : . : :  _  t  i 
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y       -r-^Z—    -Ll-r7'r    -.'--:     s  —  f'l 

-_-v  :_;  .-Lii-    -.:_  _„-: 

,:     - 


-:-  :7:-.7-:  sol 


_  r^=ii  :•-:.-  --,•:  - 

n :t  ~:: :-.r.r*:  :.:*■■:  :  u  ul~=   — 
Father,  iorgihre  ik.  and  Ike  JUmew* 


-_.r:-v:'::r  ::  vT  ;1;,:~  : 


G-A  mr-.:  iv:  ".i,i.  -i.  ^_7i_.  :r___r  :':;:_ 


"rlil 


230  FOLLY. 


FOLLY. 

THE  fool  hath  said  in  Ms  heart,  There  is  no  God.  —Psalm  xiv.  1. 

I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  speak :  for  he  will  speak  peace 
unto  his  people,  and  to  his  saints :  but  let  them  not  turn  again  to 
folly.— Psalm  lxxxv.  8. 

The  crown  of  the  wise  is  their  riches :  but  the  foolishness  of  fools 
is  folly.— Proverbs,  xiv.  24. 

Answer  not  a  fool  according  to  his  folly,  lest  thou  also  be  like  unto 
him. — Proverbs,  xxvi.  4. 

Whosoever  shall  say,  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of  hell  fire- 
Matthew,  v.  22. 


The  rout  is  folly  s  circle  which  she  draws 
With  magic  wand.     So  potent  is  the  spell, 
That  none  decoy'd  into  that  fatal  ring, 
Unless  by  Heaven's  peculiar  grace,  escape. 
There  we  grow  early  grey,  but  never  wise  ; 
There  form  connections,  but  acquire  no  friend 
Solicit  pleasure,  hopeless  of  success  ; 
Waste  youth  in  occupations  only  fit 
For  second  childhood  ;  and  devote  old  age 
To  sports,  which  only  childhood  could  excuse. 


Cowper. 


Many  there  are  who  wear  the  cap  and  bells, 

And  tread  the  maze  of  folly  ; 
And  some  who  dwell  apart  in  hermit  cells 

With  moping  melancholy. 
Many  there  are  who  toil,  and  moil,  and  scrape, 

For  gold  they  cannot  keep  ; 
And  many  who  from  toil  and  care  escape, 

Wrapped  in  a  drunken  sleep. 
Some  of  their  brothers  in  their  anger  cry — 

Thou  fool  !  nor  heed  the  sin  ; 
And  some  their  God  and  Saviour  would  deny 

Human  applause  to  win. 
All  this  is  foolishness,  but  worst  of  all 

The  last  mad,/b%, 
Building  betwixt  the  soul  and  heaven  a  wall, 
Spreading  o'er  nature's  face  a  gloomy  pall 

Of  hopeless  melancholy.  Egone. 


FORGETFULNESS.  231 


FORGETFULNESS. 

Bow  Ion?  wilt  thou  forget  me,  O  Lord  ?  for  ever?  how  long  wilt  thou 
hide  thy  face  from  me?—  Psalm  xiii.  1. 

But  Zion  said,  The  Lord  hath  forsaken  me,  ami  my  Lord  Inth  for- 
<i<>it,  i,  me. 

Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have 
compassion  on  the  son  of  her  womb  '!  yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will 
I  oof  /urget  thee. — Isaiah.  \]ix.  11.  IS. 

Bkhold  the  inexorable  hour  at  hand! 

Behold  the  inexorable  hour  forgot  ! 

And  to  forget  it,  the  chief  aim  of  life ; 

Though  well  to  ponder  it  is  life's  chief  end.         Young. 

Forget  me  not !  Forget  me  not! 
Thou  utterest,  Lord,  from  earth  or  skies. 
In  glittering  glory — rainbow  dyes. 
And  every  breeze  that  sheds  a  balm 
On  morning's  joy  or  evening's  calm, 

In  open  glade  or  lonely  spot, 
Maintains  a  tongue  to  tell  Thy  power, 
And  whispers  in  Thy  name  and  hour, 

Forget  me  not!   Forget  me  not ! 

Forget  me  not!  Forget  me  not ! 
The  record  of  Thy  will  doth  say, 
Revealing  Thee  in  glory's  ray, 
On  Sinai's  mount  with  justice  crowned. 
Throwing  Thy  awful  thunders  round, 

But  most,  when  pitying  the  hard  lot 
Of  man,  Thy  Son  rejoiced  to  die 
Upon  the  mount  of  Calvary, 

Thy  voice  was  heard— Forget  me  not ! 

Forget  us  not!  Forget  us  not! 
In  that  dread  hour  when  tyrant  death 
Shall  gripe  this  form  and  stop  its  breath ; 
Oh!  in  each  struggling  throe,  (hat  clay 
Feels  when  the  soul  is  wrenched  away. 

And  it  is  left  for  earth  to  rot, 
Look  down  in  mercy — Lord,  be  ni gh, 
To  curb  the  dying  agony; 

We  are  but  dust — Forget  us  not ! 

William  Martin. 


232  FORGIVENESS. 


FORGIVENESS. 

To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  we 
have  rebelled  against  him.— Daniel,  ix.  9. 

When  ye  stand  praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have  ought  against  any :  that 
your  Father  also  which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your  trespasses. 

But  if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven  forgive-  your  trespasses. — Mark,  xi.  25,  26. 

When  they  were  come  to  the  place,  which  is  called  Calvary,  there 
they  crucified  him,  and  the  malefactors,  one  on  the  right  hand,  and 
the  other  on  the  left. 

Then  said  Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them  ;  for  they  kuow  not  what  they 
do. — Luke,  xxiii.  33,  34. 

Be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one  another, 
even  as  God  for  Chrisfs  sake  hath  forgiven  you.— Ephesians,  iv.  32. 

Though  in  the  secret  paths  of  sin  I  trod, 
Yet  do  not  quite  forsake  me,  O  my  God  ! 
'T  is  Thou  alone  canst  ease  me  of  my  pain, 
Thy  healing  hand  can  Trash  out  every  stain, 
Can  cleanse  my  soul,  and  make  the  leper  clean. 
Speak,  love  divine,  and  bid  the  suppliant  live, 
Oh,  let  mine  ear  but  hail  the  word,  "Forgive  /" 

Daniel. 
Forgive  thy  foe ; — nor  that  alone, 
His  evil  deed  with  good  repay; 
Fill  those  with  joy  who  leave  thee  none 
And  kiss  the  hand  upraised  to  slay. 

From  the  Persian. 

Good  nature  and  good  sense  must  ever  join ; 

To  err  is  human,  to  forgive  divine.  Pope. 

Great  souls  forgive  not  injuries  till  time 
Has  put  their  enemies  into  their  power, 
That  they  may  show  forgiveness  in  their  own. 

Dryden. 
My  foemen,  Lord,  are  fierce  and  fell, 

They  spurn  me  in  their  pride  ; 
They  render  evil  for  my  good, 
My  patience  they  deride. 

Arise,  O  King  !  and  be  the  proud 

To  righteous  ruin  driven ! — 
"Forgive  !"  an  awful  answer  came, 

"As  thou  would'st  be  forgiven."  Heber. 


FORGIVENESS.  233 


O  thou  unknown,  Almighty  cause 

Of  all  my  hope  and  fear ! 
In  whose  dread  presence,  ere  an  hour, 

Perhaps  I  must  appear ! 

If  I  have  wandered  in  those  paths 

Of  life  I  ought  to  shun, 
As  something,  loudly,  in  my  breast, 

Remonstrates  I  have  done  ; 

Thou  know'st  that  Thou  hast  formed  me 

With  passions  wild  and  strong ; 
And  listening  to  their  witching  voice 

Has  often  led  me  wrong. 

Where  human  weakness  has  come  short, 

Or  frailty  stept  aside, 
Do  Thou,  All-Good !  for  such  thou  art, 

In  shades  of  darkness  hide. 

Where  with  intention  I  have  err'd, 

Xo  other  plea  I  have, 
But  Thou  art  good;  and  Goodness  still 

Delighteth  to  forgive.  Burns. 

Forgiveness  I  'tis  a  joyful  sound, 

To  rebel  sinners  doomed  to  die : 
Publish  the  bliss  the  world  around ; 

Ye  seraphs  shout  it  from  the  sky ! 

'T  is  the  rich  gift  of  love  divine  ; 

'T  is  full — outmeasuring  every  crime ; 
Unclouded  shall  its  glories  shine, 

And  feel  no  change  by  changing  time. 

For  this  stupendous  love  of  heaven. 
What  grateful  honour  shall  we  shew? 

Where  much  transgression  1$  forgiven, 
Let  love  with  equal  ardour  glow. 

Cheered  by  the  hope  of  pardoning  grace, 
We  come  Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  prove ; 

Like  weeping  Mary,  let  us  taste 

A  pledge  of  Thy  forgiving  love.  Gibhons. 


FOBGIVENESS. 


She  rose  from  her  untroubled  sleep, 

And  put  aside  her  soft  brown  hair, 
And  in  a  tone  as  low  and  deep 

As  love's  first  whisper,  breath'd  a  prayer. 
And  there,  from  slumber  soft  and  warm, 

Like  a  young  spirit  fresh  from  heaven, 
She  bow'd  her  slight  and  graceful  form, 

And  humbly  pray'd  to  be /or* 


Oh,  God !  if  souls  unsoiled  as  these 

Need  daily  mercy  from  Thy  throne, 
If  she,  upon  her  bended  knees, 

Our  loveliest  and  purest  one — 
She,  with  a  face  so  clear  and  bright, 
We  deem  her  some  stray  child  of  light ; 

If  she,  with  those  soft  eyes  in  tears. 

Day  after  day,  in  her  first  years, 
Must  kneel  and  pray  for  grace  from  Thee, 
What  far,  far  deeper  need  have  we  ? 

How  hardly  if  she  win  not  heaven, 

Will  our  wild  errors  he  forgiven  ?  JV.  P.  Willis. 

When  on  the  fragrant  sandal  tree 

The  woodman's  axe  descends, 
And  she  who  bloomed  so  beauteously 

Beneath  the  keen  stroke  bends — 
E'en  on  the  edge  that  brought  her  death, 
Dying,  she  breathes  her  sweetest  breath, 
As  if  to  token  in  her  fall 
"Peace  to  her  foes,  and  love  to  all." 
How  hardly  man  this  lesson  learns, 
To  smile,  and  bless  the  hand  that  spurns  ; 
To  see  the  blow,  and  feel  the  pain. 
But  render  only  love  again. 
This  spirit  ne'er  was  given  on  earth  ; 
One  had  it, — he  of  heavenly  birth  ; 
Reviled,  rejected,  and  betrayed, 
No  curse  He  breathed,  no  plaint  He  made, 
But  when  in  death's  deep  pang  He  sighed, 
Prayed  for  his  murderers — and  died.  Edmeston. 


FOUNDATION.  235 


FOUNDATION. 

OP  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth  :  and  the  heavens 
are  the  work  of  thy  hands. — Psalm  cii.  2.3. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  Behold  I  lay  in  Zion  for  a  foundation  a 
stone,  a  tried  stone,  a  precious  corner  stone,  a  sure  foundation :  he 
that   helieveth  shall  not  make  haste.— Isaiah,  x.vviii.  16. 

According  to  the  grace  of  God  which  is  given  unto  me,  as  a  wise 
master  builder,  I  have  laid  the  foundation,  and  another  buildeth 
thereon.     But  let  every  man  take  heed  how  he  buildeth  thereupon. 

For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,  which  is 
Jesus  Christ.— I.  Corinthians,  iii.  10.  11. 

Why  build  ye  on  the  unsteady  sand, 

A  worthless  house  that  cannot  stand  ? 

Behold,  in  winter's  stormy  day, 

That  frail  support  will  glide  away, 

And  rising  billows  lightly  sweep 

Your  fortress  to  the  yawning  deep. 

G-od  hath  a  sure  foundation  given, 

Fix'd  as  the  firm  decrees  of  heaven  : 

The  changeless,  everlasting  rock, 

That  braves  the  storm,  and  bides  the  shock  ; 

There  build  :  the  gates  of  hell  in  vain 

Against  that  rock  their  war  maintain. 

Christ  is  the  rock,  the  corner  stone, 

Faith  rears  her  beauteous  house  thereon; 

Adorn'd  with  works  of  willing  love, 

And  pointing  to  the  scenes  above  ; 

Where  faith  and  hope  their  sway  resign, 

Swallow'd  in  sight  and  joy  divine. 

Charlotte  Elizabeth. 
I  built  my  house  upon  a  rock, 

f  Faith's  strong  foundation  firm  and  sure,) 
Fixed  my  abode,  the  heaviest  shock 

Of  time  and  tempest  to  endure. 
Nor  small,  nor  large,  nor  low,  nor  high, 

Midway  it  stands  upon  the  steep, 
Beneath  the  storm-mark  of  the  sky, 

Above  the  flood-mark  of  the  deep. 
And  here  I  humbly  wait,  while  He 

Who  pluck'd  me  from  the  lowest  hell, 
Prepares  a  heavenly  house  for  me, 

A_nd  calls  me  hence  with  Him  to  dwell. 

J.   Montgomery. 


236 


FOUNTAIN. 


FOUNTAIN. 

How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God!  therefore  the  children 
of  men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 

For  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life :  in  thy  light  shall  we  see 
light.— Psahn  xxxvi.  7,  9. 

In  that  day  there  shall  be  a  fountain  opened  to  the  housa  of  David 
and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness.— 
Zechariah,  xiii.  1. 

I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end.  I  will  give 
unto  him  that  is  athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely. 
— Revelation,  xxi.  6. 

He  set  before  him  spread 
A  table  of  celestial  food  divine, 
Ambrosial  fruits,  fetched  from  the  tree  of  life, 
And  from  the  fount  of  life  ambrosial  drink.         Milton. 

Abused  mortals !  did  you  know 
Where  joy,  heart's-ease,  and  comforts  grow, 
You  'd  scorn  proud  towers, 
And  seek  them  in  these  bowers, 
Where  winds  sometimes  our  woods  perhaps  may  shake, 
But  blustering  care  could  never  tempest  make, 
Nor  murmurs  e'er  come  nigh  us, 
Saving  of  fountains  that  glide  by  us. 

Sir   Walter  Raleigh. 
How  free  ike  fountain  flows 

Of  endless  life  and  joy ! 
The  spring  which  no  confinement  knows, 
Whose  waters  never  cloy. 

How  sweet  the  accents  sound 

From  the  Redeemer's  tongue  ! 
Assemble  all  ye  nations  round 

In  one  obedient  throng. 

Ho,  every  thirsty  soul 

Approach  the  sacred  spring, 
Drink,  and  your  fainting  spirits  cheer, 

Renew  the  draught  and  sing.  Doddridge. 

Why  should  the  soul  a  drop  bemoan, 

Who  has  a  fountain  near, — 
A  fountain  which  shall  ever  run 

With  waters  sweet  and  clear  ?  Upland. 


FBAILTT.  237 


FKAILTY. 

LORD,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of  my  days, 
what  it  is;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am.— Psalm  xxxix.  4. 

But  man  yrithfrailty  is  allied  by  birth. 

Bishop  Lowth. 

By  nature  peccable  and  frail  are  we, 
Easily  beguiled  ;  to  vice,  to  error  prone  ; 
But  apt  for  virtue  too.     Humanity 
Is  not  a  field  where  tares  and  thorns  alone 
Are  left  to  spring ;  good  seed  hath  there  been  sown 
With  no  unsparing  hand.     Sometimes  the  shoot 
Is  choked  with  weeds,  or  withers  on  a  stone ; 
But  in  a  kindly  soil  it  strikes  its  root, 
And  flourisheth,  and  bringeth  forth  abundant  fruit. 

Southey. 

"How  meanly  dwells  th'  immortal  mind ! 

How  vile  these  bodies  are ! 
"Why  was  a  clod  of  earth  designed 

T'  enclose  a  heavenly  star  ? 
"Weak  cottage  where  our  souls  reside, 

This  flesh  a  tott'ring  wall ; 
"With  frightful  breaches  gaping  wide, 

The  building  bends  to  fall. 
"All  round  it  storms  of  trouble  blow, 

And  waves  of  sorrow  roll ; 
Cold  waves  and  winter  storms  beat  through, 

And  pain  the  tenant  soul. 
"Alas  !  hov?  frail  our  state  !"  said  I ; 

And  thus  went  mourning  on, 
Till  sudden  from  the  cleaving  sky 

A  gleam  of  glory  shone. 
My  soul  felt  all  the  glory  come, 

And  breathed  her  native  air ; 
Then  she  remembered  heaven,  her  home, 

And  she  a  prisoner  here. 
Straight  she  begun  to  change  her  key, 

And  joyful  in  her  pains, 
She  sang  the  frailty  of  her  clay 

In  pleasurable  strains.  Watts. 


238  FREEDOM. 


FKEEDOM. 

HE  that  is  called  in  the  Lord,  being  a  servant,  is  the  Lord's  freeman: 
likewise  also  he  that  is  called,  being  free,  is  Christ's  servant. — I. 
Corinthians,  vii.  22. 

And  ye  shall  know  the  truth,  and  the  truth  shall  make  you  free. — 
John,  viii.  32. 

If  the  Son  therefore  shall  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed.  — 
John,  viii  36. 

As  free,  and  not  using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but 
as  trie  servants  of  God.  — T.  Peter,  ii.  16. 


Freely  we  serve, 
Because  we  freely  love,  as  in  our  will 
To  love  or  not ;  in  this  we  stand  or  fall.  Milton. 

Yet  gave  me  in  this  dark  estate 

To  see  the  good  from  ill. 
And,  binding  Nature  fast  in  fate, 

Left  free  the  human  will.  Pope. 

Placed  for  his  trial  on  this  bustling  stage, 

From  thoughtless  youth  to  ruminating  age, 

Free  in  his  will  to  choose  or  to  refuse, 

Man  may  improve  the  crisis,  or  abuse ; 

Else,  on  the  fatalist's  unrighteous  plan, 

Say  to  what  bar  amenable  were  man  ? 

With  nought  in  charge  he  could  betray  no  trust ; 

And  if  he  fell,  would  fall  because  he  must; 

If  Love  reward  him,  or  if  Vengeance  strike, 

His  recompense  in  both  unjust  alike.  Cowper. 

Grace  leads  the  right  way  :  if  you  choose  the  wrong, 
Take  it  and  perish,  but  restrain  your  tongue ; 
Charge  not,  with  light  sufficient,  and  left  free, 
Your  wilful  suicide  on  God's  decree.  Cowper. 

True  freedom  is  where  no  restraint  is  known 
That  scripture,  justice,  and  good  sense  disown, 
Where  only  vice  and  injury  are  tied, 
And  all  from  shore  to  shore  is  free  beside. 

Cowper. 


FREEDOM. 


Where  had  been 
The  test  of  faith  if  the  expanded  arm 
Of  Heaven,  in  glory  and  in  power  displayed, 
Had  curbed  the  freedom  of  the  human  will, 
Nor  left  the  scope  of  choice !  Samuel  Hayes. 

If,  with  streamy  radiance,  God 
Had  dazzling  beamed  upon  His  creatures'  eyelids, 
And  shown  Himself  to  their  unbandaged  view, 
And  with  a  voice  divine  to  us  had  spoken, 
Destroying  in  our  hearts  the  wondrous  balance, 
(Man  ceasing  to  be  man  had  lost  his  freedom  J 
Our  soul  would  not  have  struggled  with  our  senses, 
And  void  of  freedom  what  would  virtue  be  ? 

Pulling,  from  Lamartine. 

For  what  is  freedom,  but  the  unfettered  use 
Of  all  the  powers  which  God  for  use  had  given  ? 
But  chiefly  this,  Him  first,  Him  last  to  view 
Through  meaner  powers  and  secondary  things 
Effulgent,  as  through  clouds  that  veil  His  blaze. 

Coleridge. 
Man  (ingenious  to  contrive  his  woe, 
And  rob  himself  of  all  that  makes  this  vale 
Of  tears  bloom  comfort)  cries,  If  God  foresees 
Our  future  actings,  then  the  objects  known 
Must  be  determined,  or  the  knowledge  fail : 
Thus  liberty  's  destroyed,  and  all  we  do 
Or  suffer,  by  a  fatal  thread  is  spun. 
Sav,  fool,  with  too  much  subtilty  misled, 
"Wlio  reasonest  but  to  err,  does  Prescience  change 
The  property  of  things  ?    Is  aught  thou  seest 
Caused  by  thy  vision,  not  thy  vision  caused 
By  forms  that  previously  exist  ?     To  God 
This  mode  of  seeing  future  deeds  extends, 
And.  freedom  with  foreknowledge  may  exist, 

George  Bally. 
In  a  Bervice  which  Thy  will  appoints 

There  are  no  bonds  for  me  ; 
For  my  inmost  heart  is  taught  "the  truth" 

That  makes  thy  children  "free;" 
And  a  life  of  self-renouncing  love 

Is  a  life  of  liberty.  A.  L.  Waring. 


240  FRIENDSHIP. 


FKIEKDSHIP. 

A  FRIEND  loveth  at  all  times.— Proverbs,  xvii.  17. 

A  man  that  hath  friends  must  shew  himself  friendly :  and  there  is  a 
friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother. — Proverbs,  xviii.  24. 

The  Son  of  man  came  eating  and  di-inking,  and  they  say,  Behold  a 
man  gluttonous,  and  a  winebibber,  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sinners. 
But  wisdom  is  justified  of  her  children. — Matthew,  xi.  19. 

Ye  adulterers  and  adulteresses,  know  ye  not  that  the  friendship  of  the 
world  is  emnity  with  God  ?  whosoever  therefore  will  be  a  friend  of  the 
world  is  the  enemy  of  God. — James,  iv.  4. 

O  world,  thy  slippery  turns  !     Friends  now  fast  sworn, 

Whose  double  bosoms  seem  to  wear  one  heart ; 

Whose  hours,  whose  bed,  whose  meat,   and  exercise, 

Are  still  together ;  who  twin,  as  't  were,  in  love, 

"[Inseparable,  shall  within  this  hour, 

On  a  dissension  of  a  doit,  break  out 

To  bitterest  enmity  :  so,  fellest  foes, 

Whose  passions  and  whose  plots  have  broke  their  sleep, 

To  take  the  one  the  other,  by  some  chance, 

Some  trick  not  worth  an  egg,  shall  grow  dear  friends, 

And  interjoin  their  issues.  Shalcspere. 

Each  friend  by  fate  snatched  from  us,  is  a  plume 

Plucked  from  the  wing  of  human  vanity, 

Which  makes  us  stoop  from  our  aerial  heights, 

And,  damped  with  omen  of  our  own  decease, 

On  drooping  pinions  of  ambition  lowered, 

Just  skim  earth's  surface,  ere  we  break  it  up  ; 

O'er  putrid  earth  to  scratch  a  little  dust, 

And  save  the  world  a  nuisance.  Young. 

Heaven  gives  us  friends  to  bless  the  present  scene ; 
Resumes  them  to  prepare  us  for  the  next.  Young. 

Celestial  happiness  !     Whene'er  she  stoops 

To  visit  earth,  one  shrine  the  goddess  finds, 

And  one  alone,  to  make  her  sweet  amends 

For  absent  heaven, — the  bosom  of  a  friend, 

Where  heart  meets  heart,  reciprocally  soft, 

Each  other's  pillow  to  repose  divine.  Young. 


FRIENDSHIP.  241 


A  friend  is  worth  all  hazards  we  can  run, 
Poor  is  the  / rien  dless  master  of  a  world ; 
A  world  in  purchase  of  a.  friend  is  gaiu.        Dr.  Young. 

id  of  the  friendless  and  the  faint! 
Where  should  I  lodge  my  deep  complaint  ? 
Where,  but  with  Thee,  whose  open  door 
Invites  the  helpless  and  the  poor  ? 
Did  ever  mourner  plead  with  Thee, 
And  Thou  refuse  that  mourner's  plea  ? 
Does  not  that  word  still  fixed  remain, 
That  ''none  shall  seek  thy  face  in  vain?"  Cowper. 

To  bless  mankind  with  tides  of  flowing  wealth, 

With  power  to  grace  them,  or  to  crown  with  health, 

Our  little  lot  denies  ;  but  Heaven  decrees 

To  all,  the  gift  of  minist'ring  to  ease : 

The  gentle  offices  of  patient  love, 

Beyond  all  flattery,  and  all  praise  above  ; 

The  mild  forbearance  of  another's  fault, 

The  taunting  word  suppress'd  as  soon  as  thought ; 

On  these  Heaven  bade  the  sweets  of  life  depend; 

And  crush'd  ill  fortune  when  she  gave  a.  friend. 

A  solitary  blessing  few  can  find ; 

Our  joys  with  those  we  love  are  intertwined  ; 

And  he  whose  wakeful  tenderness  removes 

Th'  obstructing  thorn  which  wounds  the  breast  he  loves, 

Smoothes  not  another's  rugged  path  alone, 

But  scatters  roses  to  adorn  his  own.        Hannah  More. 

There  is  a  Friend,  more  tender,  true, 

Than  brother  e'er  can  be, 
Who,  when  all  others  bid  adieu, 

Eemains — the  last  to  flee  ; 
Who,  be  their  pathway  bright  or  dim, 
Deserts  not  those  who  turn  to  Him. 

The  heart  by  Him  sustained,  though  deep 

Its  anguish,  still  can  bear ! 
The  soul  He  condescends  to  keep, 

Shall  never  know  despair ; 
In  nature's  weakness,  sorrow's  night, 
God  is  its  strength,  its  joy,  its  light.  Barton. 


'242  FRIENDSHIP. 


Friend  after  friend  departs  : 

Who  hath,  not  lost  a  friend  t 
There  is  no  union  here  of  hearts 

That  finds  not  here  an  end : 
Were  this  frail  world  our  final  res:. 
L:v:ng  or  dying  none  were  b.esr.     /  Monigt 

F    r'idship,  thou  charmer  of  the  mind. 

Thou  sweet  deluding  ill. 
The  brightest  minute  mortals  fin    . 

And  sharpest  hour  we  feel. 

Fare  has  divided  all  our  shares 

0:  pleasure  and  of  pain  ; 
In  love  the  comforts  and  the 

Are  mixed  and  joined  again. 

But  whilst  in  floods  our  sorrow  rolls. 

And  drops  of  joy  are  few. 
This  dear  delight  of  mingling  souls 
es  but  to  swell  our  woe. 

Oh !  why  should  bliss  depart  in  h 

And  friendship  stay  to  nioa: 
Why  the  fond  passion  cling  bo  fast, 

When  evrry  joy  :=  gone  P 

Yet  never  let  our  hearts  divi 

N  r  death  dissolve  the  chain  ; 
J  i  iove  and  joy  were  once  allied, 

And  must  be  joined  again.  T^~    -  * . 

:  had  His  friends — His  eye  could  trace 

In  the  long  train  of  coming  years, 
The  chosen  children  of  His  grace, 

Ti-r  :\:11  rr-iv--::  : :"  :.ii  H:s  Tears. 
Tiiese  are  Unfriends,  and  these  are  thine, 

If  thou  to  Him  hast  bowed  the  knee ;. 
And  where  these  ransomed  millions  shine 

Shall  thy  eternal  mansion  be.  Anonymous. 

nder  bright  clime  Christian  friendships  of  earth 
Shall  live  through  eternity's  day, 
Shall  blossom  like  plants  in  the  land  of  their  birth. 
But  never  to  suffer  decav.  W.  J.  H 


gain.  24a 

GAIN. 

WHAT  shall  it  profit  a  man.  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and 
lose  his  own  sonl— Mark.  Tin.  36. 

For  me  to  fire  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.— PhUippian^  L  11. 

Bat  what  things  were  gain  to  me,  those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ. 
— PhOippians,  iii.  7. 

'i ■•'-.:       --     --'.  ->-:..-.-   --•:.:  I.   7.       :--.-. 

now,  re  that  say.  To-day  or  to-morrow  we  wfll  go  into  such 
a  city,  and  continue  there  a  year,  and  buy  and  seD,  and  get  gmim. 

Whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.— James,  it.  13, 14. 

I  left  the  God  of  truth  and  light, 
I  left  the  God  who  gave  me  breath. 

To  wander  in  the  wilds  of  night, 
And  perish  in  the  snares  of  death. 

In  riches  when  I  sought  for  joy. 

And  placed  in  sordid  gain  my  tr  . 
I  found  that  gold  was  ail  al! 

And  worldly  pleasures  fleeting  dfn 

/   Montgomery. 

The  Christian  knows  each  cloud  of  grief 

Bears  impress  of  his  God ; 
That  lore,  he  knows,  will  send  relief 

Which  sends  the  chastening  rod. 

He  suffers  still : — God  doth  not  spare  : 

But.  lo.  He  soothes  his  grief! — 
The  Christian  has  a  cross  to  bear. — 

But  has  a  Christ's  relief! 

A  crown  was  purchased  by  his  cross, 

A  Paradise  by  pain  ; 
And  tor  His  sake,  each  present  loss 

Shall  yield  eternal  gain.  A 

R  i  more,  my  (rod.  I  boast  no  more 

Of  all  the  duties  I  have  done  j 
I  quit  the  hopes  I  held  bef 

:rust  the  merits  of  Thy  Son. 

for  the  love  I  bear  His  name. 
"What  was  my  :  •    i  I  BOunft  my  loss; 

ormer  pride  I  call  my  shame. 
And  nail  my  glory  to  B  Watt*. 


244  GABDEN. 


GARDEN— EDEN— GETHSEMANE. 

And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  eastward  in  Eden ;  and  there 
he  put  the  man  whom  he  had  fonned. — Genesis,  ii.  8. 

Then  cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place  called  Gethsemane,  and 
*aith  unto  his  disciples,  Sit  ye  here,  while  I  go  and  pray  yonder. — 
Matthew,  xxvi.  36. 

Jesus  went  forth  with  his  disciples  over  the  brook  Cedron,  where 
was  a  garden,  into  the  which  he  entered,  and  his  disciples. — John, 
xviii.  1. 

In  the  place  where  he  was  crucified  there  was  a  garden;  and  in 
the  garden  a  new  sepulchre,  wherein  was  never  man  yet  laid. 

There  laid  they  Jesus. — John,  xix.  41,  42. 

The  mighty  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 

By  Gihon's  pure  and  placid  stream, 
That  from  the  new-born  hills  came  forth, 

To  sparkle  in  the  sun's  young  beam — 

Upraised,  all  lovely  as  a  dream 
To  hearts  of  holy  feeling  given, 

The  garden  -bowers  with  joy  that  teem 
For  the  peculiar  wards  of  heaven  : — 

Eor  man  and  woman — blessed  pair  ! 

In  innocence  and  beauty  made  : 
With  sinless  lips  to  breathe  the  air, 

Whose  odorous  gales  around  them  played  ; 

With  hearts  as  pure  as  dew-drops  laid 
Within  the  rose's  virgin  breast ; 

With  souls  that  never  felt  a  shade 
Of  gloom  upon  their  prospects  rest.  Knox. 

Bring  the  thrilling  scene 
Home  to  thine  inmost  soul : — the  sufferer's  cry, 
"Father,  if  it  be  possible,  this  cup 
Take  thou  away. — Yet  not  my  will  but  thine  :" 
The  sleeping  friends  who  could  not  watch  one  hour, 
The  torch,  the  flashing  sword,  the  traitor's  kiss, 
The  astonished  angel,  with  the  tear  of  Heaven 
Upon  his  cheek,  still  striving  to  assuage 
Those  fearful  pangs  that  bowed  the  Son  of  God, 
Like  a  bruised  reed.     Thou  who  hast  power  to  look 
Thus  at  Get hse mane,  be  still !  be  still ! 
What  are  thine  insect-woes,  compared  to  His 
Who  agonizeth  there  ?     Count  thy  brief  pains 


GARDEN.  245 


As  the  dust  atom  on  liie's  chariot- wheels, 
And  in  a  Saviour's  grief  forget  them  all. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 

The  palm — the  vine — the  cedar — each  hath  power 

To  bid  fair  oriental  shapes  glance  by, 
And  each  quick  glistening  of  the  laurel  bower 

Waft  Grecian  images,  o'er  fancy's  eye  : 

But  thou,  pale  olive !  in  thy  branches  lie 
Par  deeper  spells  than  prophet  grove  of  old 

Might  e'er  enshrine  : — I  could  not  hear  thee  sigh 
To  the  wiud's  faintest  whisper,  nor  behold 

One  shiver  of  thy  leaves'  dim  silvery  green, 

Without  high  thoughts  and  solemn  of  that  scene 
When  in  the  Garden  the  Redeemer  prayed — 

When  pale  stars  looked  upon  His  fainting  head, 

And  angels,  ministering  in  silent  dread, 
Trembled,  perchance,  within  thy  trembling  shade. 

Hemans. 

How  vainly  men  themselves  amaze 
To  win  the  palm,  the  oak,  or  bays ; 
And  their  incessant  labours  see 
Crowned  from  some  single  herb  or  tree, 
Whose  short  and  narrow-verged  shade 
Does  prudently  their  toils  upbraid ; 
While  all  the  flowers  and  trees  do  close 
To  weave  the  garlands  of  repose. 

Fair  Quiet,  have  I  found  thee  here, 
And  Innocence,  thy  sister  dear  ? 
Mistaken  long,  I  sought  you  then 
In  busy  companies  of  men. 
Your  sacred  plants,  if  here  below, 
Only  among  the  plants  will  grow. 
Society  is  all  but  rude 
In  this  delicious  solitude. 

Here  at  the  fountain's  sliding  foot, 
As  at  some  fruit  tree's  mossy  root, 
Casting  the  body's  vest  aside, 
My  soul  into  the  boughs  does  glide ; 


246  GABDEN. 


There,  like  a  bird,  it  sits  and  sings, 
Then  whets,  and  claps  its  silver  wings  ; 
And,  till  prepared  for  longer  flight, 
Waves  in  its  plumes  the  various  light. 

How  well  the  skilful  garoVner  drew 
Of  flow'rs  and  herbs  the  dial  new, 
Where  from  above  the  milder  sun 
Does  through  a  fragrant  zodiac  run : 
And,  as  it  works,  the  industrious  bee 
Computes  the  time,  as  well  as  we. 
How  could  such  sweet  and  wholesome  hours 
Be  reckoned,  but  with  herbs  and  flowers. 

Andrew  Marvell. 

In  a  garden — man  was  placed, 

Meet  abode  for  innocence, 
With  his  Maker's  image  graced : 
— Sin  crept  in  and  drove  him  thence, 
Through  the  world,  a  wretch  undone, 
Seeking  rest  and  finding  none. 

In  a  garden — on  that  night 

When  our  Saviour  was  betrayed, 
With  what  world-redeeming  might, 

In  his  agony  he  prayed ! 
Till  he  drank  the  vengeance  up, 
And  with  mercy  filled  the  cup. 

In  a  garden — on  the  cross, 

When  the  spear  His  heart  had  riven, 
And  for  earth's  primeval  loss 

Heaven's  best  ransom  had  been  given, 
Jesus  rested  from  His  woes, 
Jesus  from  the  dead  arose. 

Emblem  of  the  church  above! 

Where,  as  in  their  native  clime, 
'  Midst  the  garden  of  His  love. 

Rescued  from  the  rage  of  time, 
Saints,  as  trees  of  life  shall  stand, 
Planted  by  His  own  right  hand.      J.  Montgomery. 


GENTLENESS.  247 


GENTLENESS. 

THor   has-  Id  of   thy  salvation :    and   thy 

ith  made  me  great. — II.  Samuel,  xxii.  36. 

I  Paul  myself  beseech  yon  by  the  meekness  and  gentleneu  of 
—II.  Corinthians,  x.  1. 

we   were  getUU   among  you,    even   as    a  nurse  cherisheth  her 
children.— I.  Thessalonians.  ii.  7. 

servant  of   the  Lord  must  not  strive;   but  be  gentle  unto  all 
men.  ayt  to  teach,  patient.— II.  Timothy,  ii.  M. 


Gently  I  took  that  which  un gently  came, 

And  without  scorn  forgave  : — Do  thou  the  same 

A  wrong  done  to  thee  think  a  cat's  eye  spark, 

Thou  wouldest  not  see,  were  not  thine  own  hear;  dark. 

Thine  own  keen  sense  of  wrong  that  thirsts  for  sin. 

Fear  that — the  spark  self-kindled  from  within. 

Which  blown  upon  will  blind  thee  with  its  glare, 

Or  smother'd  stifle  thee  with  noisome  air. 

Clap  on  the  extinguisher,  pull  up  the  blinds, 

And  soon  the  ventilated  spirit  finds 

Its  natural  daylight.     If  a  foe  have  kenn'd, 

Or  worse  than  foe,  an  alienated  friend, 

A  rib  of  dry  rot  in  thy  ship's  stout  side, 

Think  it  God's  message,  and  in  humble  pride 

With  heart  of  oak  replace  it ; — thine  the  gains — 

Give  him  the  rotten  timber  for  his  pains! 

Coleridge. 

I  've  thought  of  all  this  pride,  and  all  this  pain. 
And  all  the  insolent  plenitudes  of  power, 
\nd  I  declare,  by  this  most  quiet  hour, 
Which  holds  in  different  tasks  by  the  fire-light 
She.  and  my  friends  here,  this  delightful  night, 
That  power  itself  has  not  one  half  the  might 
Of  Gentleness.     'T  is  want  to  all  true  wealth  j 
The  uneasy  madman's  force,  to  the  wise  health ; 
Blind  downward  beating,  to  the  eyes  that  see  ; 

to  persuasion,  doubt  to  certainty  ; 
The  consciousness  of  strength  in  enemies, 
Who  must  be  strain'd  upon  or  else  they  rise  ; 
The  battle  to  the  moon,  who  all  the  while. 
High  out  of  hearing,  passes  with  her  smile  : 


"248  GENTLENESS. 


The  tempest,  trampled  in  his  scauty  run, 
To  the  whole  globe,  that  basks  about  the  sun  ; 
Or  as  all  shrieks  and  claDgs,  with  which  a  sphere, 
Undone  and  fired,  could  rake  the  midnight  ear, 
Compared  with  that  vast  dumbness  nature  keeps 

Throughout  her  starry  deeps, 
Most  old,  and  mild,  and  awful,  and  unbroken. 
Which  tells  a  tale  of  peace  beyond  whate'er  was  spoken. 

Leigh  Hunt. 

Speak  gently  ! — It  is  better  far 

To  rule  by  love  than  fear — 
Speak  gently — let  no  harsh  words  mar 

The  good  we  might  do  here ! 

Speak  gently — love  doth  whisper  low 

The  vows  that  true  hearts  bind  : 
And  gently  Friendship's  accents  flow, — 

Affection's  voice  is  kind. 

Speak  gently  to  the  little  child ! 

Its  love  be  sure  to  gain  ; 
Teach  it  in  accents  soft  and  mild, 

It  may  not  long  remain. 

Speak  gently  to  the  young,  for  they 

Will  have  enough  to  bear ; 
Pass  through  this  life  as  best  they  may, 

'T  is  full  of  anxious  care  ! 

Speak  gently  to  the  aged  one, 

Grieve  not  the  careworn  heart ; 
The  sands  of  life  are  nearly  run, 

Let  such  in  peace  depart. 

Speak  gently,  kindly,  to  the  poor — 

Let  no  harsh  word  be  heard ; 
They  have  enough  they  must  endure, 

Without  an  unkind  word. 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring — know 

They  may  have  toiled  in  vain  ; 
Perchance  unkindness  made  them  so ; 

Oh!  win  them  back  again.  Anonymous. 


GIVING.  249 


GIVING. 

THOU  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led  captivity  captive:  thou 
hast  received  gifts  for  men  :  yea*  Cor  the  rebellious  also,  that  the  Lord 
God  might  dwell  among  them.    Psalm  lxviii.  18. 

That  every  man  should  eat  and  drink,  and  enjoy  the  good  of  all  bis 
labour,  it  is  the  gift  of  God.— Ecclesiastes,  iii.  13. 

The  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. — 
Romans,  vi.  23. 

Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift. — II.  Corinthians,  ix.  15. 


The  King  of  light,  Father  of  aged  time, 

Hath  brought  about  that  day,  which  is  the  prime 

To  the  slow  gliding  months,  when  every  eye 

Wears  symptoms  of  a  sober  jollity; 

And  every  hand  is  ready  to  present 

Some  service  in  a  real  compliment. 

While  some  in  golden  letters  write  their  love, 

Some  speak  affection  by  a  ring  or  glove, 

Or  pins  and  points,  (for  e'en  the  peasant  may, 

After  his  ruder  fashion,  be  as  gay 

As  the  brisk  courtly  Sir,)  and  thinks  that  he 

Cannot,  without  a  gross  absurdity, 

Be  this  day  frugal,  and  not  spare  his  friend 

Some  gift,  to  show  his  love  finds  not  an  end 

With  the  deceased  year.  Joshua  Poole. 

Who  gives,  constrained,  but  his  own  fear  reviles ; 
Not  thanked,  but  scorned;  nor  are  they  gifts,  but  spoils. 

Denham, 

Cheap  gifts  best  fit  poor  givers.     We  are  told 
Of  the  lone  mite,  and  cup  of  water  cold, 
That,  in  their  way,  approved  the  offerer's  zeal. 
True  love  shows  costliest  where  the  means  are  scant, 
And,  in  her  reckoning,  they  abound  who  want. 

Charles  Lamb. 

Largely  Thou  givest,  gracious  Lord, 
Largely  Thy  gifts  should  be  restored; 
Freely  Thou  givest,  and  thy  word 

Is  "Freely  give." 
He  only  who  forgets  to  hoard 

Has  learned  to  live.  Keble. 


250  GLORY. 


GLOEY. 

AND  she  named  the  child  Ichabod,  saying,  The  glory  is  departed 
from  Israel.— I.  Samuel,  iv.  21. 

Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  receive  me  to 
glory. — Psalm  lxxiii.  24. 

"When  the  Lord  shall  build  up  Zion  he  shall  appear  in  his  glory.— 
Psalm  cii.  16. 

The  wise  shall  inherit  glory. — Proverbs,  hi.  35. 

For  men  to  search  their  own  glory  is  not  glory. — Proverbs,  xxv.  27. 

Enter  into  the  rock,  and  hide  thee  in  the  dust,  for  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  for  the  glory  of  his  majesty. — Isaiah,  ii.  10. 

T'  eaise  desert  and  virtue  by  my  fortune, 

Though  in  a  low  estate,  were  greater  glory, 

Than  to  mix  greatness  with  a  prince  that  owns 

No  worth  but  that  name  only.  Massinger. 

When  our  souls  shall  leave  this  dwelling, 
The  glory  of  one  fair  and  virtuous  action 
Is  above  all  the  scutcheons  on  our  tomb, 
Or  silken  banners  over  us.  Shirley. 

This  is  true  glory  and  renown,  when  God, 

Looking  on  the  earth,  with  approbation  marks 

The  just  man,  and  divulges  him  through  heaven 

To  all  his  angels,  who  with  true  applause 

Recount  his  praises :  thus  He  did  to  Job, 

"Who  famous  was  in  heaven,  on  earth  less  known  ; 

Where  glory  is  false  glory  attributed 

To  things  not  glorious,  men  not  worthy  of  fame. 

They  err  who  count  it  glorious  to  subdue 

By  conquest  far  and  wide,  to  over-run 

Large  countries,  and  in  field  great  battles  win, 

Great  cities  by  assault;  what  do  these  worthies, 

But  rob  and  spoil,  burn,  slaughter,  and  enslave 

Peaceable  nations,  neighbouring  or  remote, 

Made  captive,  yet  deserving  freedom  more 

Than  those  their  conquerors,  who  leave  behind 

Nothing  but  ruin  wheresoe'er  they  rove, 

And  all  the  flourishing  arts  of  peace  destroy. 

But  if  there  be  in  glory  aught  of  good, 

It  may  by  means  far  different  be  attain'd, 

Without  ambition,  war,  or  violence ; 

By  deeds  of  peace,  by  wisdom  eminent, 

By  patience,  temperance.  Milton. 


GLORY.  251 

Much  of  the  soul  they  talk,  but  all  awry, 

And  in  themselves  seek  virtue,  and  to  themselves 

All  glory  arrogate,  to  God  give  none.  Milton. 

Thus  the  fond  moth  around  the  taper  plays. 

And  sports  and  nutters  in  the  treacherous  blaze  : 

Ravished  with  joy  he  wings  his  eager  flight. 

Nor  deems  of  ruin  in  so  clear  a  light : 

He  tempts  his  fate,  and  courts  a  glorious  doom, 

A  bright  destruction,  and  a  shining  tomb.  Ticlcell. 

The  boast  of  heraldry,  the  pomp  of  power, 
And  all  that  beauty,  all  that  wealth  e'er  gave. 

Await  alike  the  inevitable  hour  ; 

The  path  of  glory  leads  but  to  the  grave.  Gray. 

O,  that  mine  eye  might  closed  be, 

To  what  concerns  me  not  to  see ; 

That  deafness  might  possess  mine  ear. 

To  what  concerns  me  not  to  hear ; 

That  Truth  my  tongue  might  always  tie 

From  ever  speaking  foolishly  ; 

That  no  vain  thought  might  ever  rest, 

Or  be  conceived,  in  my  breast ; 

That  by  each  word,  and  deed,  and  thought, 

Glory  may  to  my  God  be  brought ! 

Thomas  JSllwood. 

Lift  upi  your  heads,  ye  gates  that  long  endure ! 

The  King  of  Glory  comes  victoriously ! 

"Who  is  the  King  of  Glory?     He,  be  sure, 

The  Lord,  renowned  in  battle  !     This  is  He ! 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates  !     He  stands  before  ye  ; 

Oh  ye  seonian  gates,  uplifted  be, 

And  make  to  Tlim  wide  entrance  whom  adore  ye. 

Who  is  the  King  ye  herald  ?  who  but  He, 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  ?     Who  else  is  King  of  Glory  ? 

J.  A.  Btraud. 
Wake,  arm  divine  !  awake 

Eye  of  the  only  wise  ! 
Now  for  Thy  glory  s  sake. 

Saviour  and  God  arise  !  Keble. 


252  god. 

GOD. 

THOTJ  art  a  God  ready  to  pardon,  gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to 
anger,  and  of  great  kindness.— Nehemiah,  ix.  17. 

The  mighty  God,  even  the  Lord,  hath  spoken,  and  called  the  earth 
from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  thereof. 

Our  God  shall  come,  and  shall  not  keep  silence. — Psalm  1.  1,  3. 

And  it  shall  be  said  in  that  day,  Lo,  this  is  our  God;  we  have 
waited  for  him,  and  he  will  save  us  :  this  is  the  Lord  ;  we  have  waited 
for  him,  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  his  salvation.— Isaiah,  xxv.  9. 

To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God  ?  or  what  likeness  will  ye  compare 
unto  him?— Isaiah,  xl.  18. 

Prepare  to  meet  thy  God. — Amos,  iv.  12. 

God  is  a  spirit :  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.— John,  iv.  24. 

Without  controversy  great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness  :  God  was 
manifest  in  the  flesh.— I.  Timothy,  hi.  16. 

To  God  more  glory,  more  good-will  to  men 
From  God,  and  over  wrath  shall  grace  abound. 

Milton. 

The  heavens  are  a  point  from  the  pen  of  His  perfection ; 

The  world  is  a  rosebud  from  the  bower  of  His  beauty  ; 

The  sun  is  a  spark  from  the  light  of  His  wisdom  ; 

And  the  sky  a  bubble  on  the  sea  of  His  power. 

His  beauty  is  free  from  stain  of  sin, 

Hidden  in  a  veil  of  thick  darkness. 

He  formed  mirrors  of  the  atoms  of  the  world, 

And  he  cast  a  reflection  from  His  own  face  on  every 

atom! 
To  thy  clear-seeing  eye  whatsoever  is  fair, 
When  thou  regardest  it  aright,    is   a  reflection   from 

His  face.  J  ami,  from  the  Persian. 

O  Thou,  whose  power  o'er  moving  worlds  presides, 
Whose  voice  created  and  whose  wisdom  guides, 
On  darkling  man  in  pure  effulgence  shine, 
And  cheer  the  clouded  mind  with  light  divine ! 

'T  is  Thine  alone  to  calm  the  pious  breast, 

With  silent  confidence,  and  holy  rest ; 

From  Thee,  great  God  I  we  spring— to  Thee  we  tend, 

Path,  Motive,  Guide,  Original,  and  End. 

Dr.  Johnson. 


god.  253 

Not  God  alone  in  the  still  calm  we  find, 

He  mounts  the  storm,  and  walks  upon  the  wind. 

Pope. 
The  God  that  rules  on  high, 
That  all  the  earth  surveys, 
That  rides  upon  the  stormy  sky, 
And  calms  the  roaring  seas — 
This  awful  God  is  ours, 
Our  Father  and  our  love  ; 
He  will  send  down  His  heavenly  powers 

To  carry  us  above.  Watts. 

Spirit  whose  life-sustaining  presence  fills 

Air,  ocean,  central  depths  by  man  untried, 

Thou  for  Thy  worshippers  hast  sanctified 

All  place,  all  time  !     The  silence  of  the  hills 

Breathes  veneration :  founts  and  choral  rills 

Of  Thee  are  murmuring : — to  its  inmost  glade 

The  living  forest  with  Thy  whisper  thrills, 

And  there  is  holiness  in  every  shade.       Mrs.  Hemans. 

On  earth  there's  not  a  creature 

Too  small,  dear  God,  for  Thee : 
Thou  gav'st  them  form  and  feature, 
And  Thine  they  aye  must  be. 
For  Thee  the  bird  sings, 
For  Thee  the  fish  springs, 
For  Thee  the  bee  hums, 
The  gold-beetle  drums, 
The  little  mouse  pipes  clear  and  fine  ; — 
We  all  are  Thine,  dear  Lord  ;  but  Thine  ! 

Clemens  Brentano. 

There  is  no  God, — the  fool  in  secret  said ; 

There  is  no  God  that  rules  on  earth  or  sky  ; 

Tear  off  the  band  that  folds  the  wretched  head, 

That  God  may  burst  upon  his  faithless  eye. 

Is  there  no  God  ? — the  stars  in  myriads  spread, 

If  he  look  up,  the  blasphemy  deny, 

Whilst  his  own  features,  in  the  mirror  read, 

Reflect  the  image  of  Divinity. 

Is  there  no  God/ — the  silver  stream  that  flows, 

The  air  he  breathes,  the  ground  he  treads,  the  trees, 


254  god. 

The  flowers,  the  grass,  the  sands,  each  wind  that  blows, 
All  speak  of  God ;  throughout  one  voice  agrees, 
And  eloquent  His  dread  existence  shows  : 
Blind  to  thyself,  ah!  see  Him,  fool,  in  these.         Anon. 

My  God,  to  Thee  belong 
Incense  of  praise  and  hallowed  song  ; 
To  Thee  be  all  the  glory  given 
Of  all  my  mercies  under  heaven ; 
From  Thee  my  daily  bread  and  health. 
Each  comfort,  all  my  spirit's  wealth, 
Have  been  derived  ; — my  sins  alone, 
And  errings,  I  can  call  mine  own.  Walker. 

What  secret  hand,  at  morning  light, 

By  stealth  unseals  mine  eye, 
Draws  back  the  curtain  of  the  night, 

And  opens  earth  and  sky  P 

'T  is  Thine,  my  God — the  same  that  kept 

My  resting  hours  from  harm  ; 
No  ill  came  nigh  me,  for  I  slept 

Beneath  the  Almighty's  arm. 

'T  is  Thine — my  daily  bread  that  brings, 

Like  manna  scattered  round, 
And  clothe 3  me,  as  as  the  lily  springs 

In  beauty  from  the  ground.  J.  Montgomery. 

With  years  oppress'd,  with  sorrows  worn, 
Dejected,  harass'd,  sick,  forlorn, 

To  Thee,  O  God,  I  pray ; 
To  Thee  my  withered  hands  arise ; 
To  Thee  I  lift  my  failing  eyes : 

Oh !  cast  me  not  away  !  Sir  R.  Grant. 

Who  spoke  creation  into  birth, 
Arch'd  the  broad  heavens,  and  spread  the  rolling  earth  ; 
Who  form'd  a  pathway  for  the  obedient  sun, 
And  bade  the  seasons  in  their  circles  run ; 
Who  fill'd  the  air,  the  forest,  and  the  flood, 
And  gave  man  all  for  comfort,  or  for  good. 

Charles  Sprayue. 


GOLD. 


Sfti 


GOLD. 

BOT  lie  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take:  wh  n  be  bath  tried  me,  I 
shall  come  forth  as  gold.—  Job,  xxiii.  10. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever  :  the  judgments  of 
the  Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether. 

More  to  be  desired  are  thev  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold.  — 
Psalm  xix.  9,  10. 

The  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much  more  precious  that  of  gold  that 
perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise  and 
honour  and  glory,  at  the  appealing  of  Jesus  Christ.— I.  Peter,  i.  7. 

1  John  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  coming  down  from  God 
out  of  heaven,  prepared  as  a  bride  adorned  for  her  husband. 

And  the  building  of  the  wall  of  it  was  of  jasper :  and  the  city  was 
pure  gold,  like  unto  clear  glass. —  Revelation,  xxi.  2,  18. 

Nevek  exceed  thy  income.     Youth  may  make 
Even  with  the  year ;  but  age  if  it  will  hit, 
Shoots  a  how  short,  and  le3sens  still  its  stake, 
As  the  day  lessens,  and  his  life  with  it. 

Thy  children,  kindred,  friends,  upon  thee  call ; 

Before  thy  journey  fairly  part  with  all. 

Yet  in  thy  thriving  still  misdoubt  some  evil; 
Lest  gaining  gain  on  thee,  and  make  thee  dim 
To  all  things  else.     Wealth  is  the  conjurer's  devil ; 
Whom  when  he  thinks  he  hath,  the  devil  hath  him. 
Gold  thou  mayest  safely  touch ;  but  if  it  stick 
Unto  thy  hands,  it  woundeth  to  the  quick. 

Herbert. 

To  purchase  heaven  has  gold  the  power? 

Can  gold  remove  the  mortal  hour  ? 

In  life  can  love  be  bought  with  gold  ? 

Are  friendship's  pleasures  to  be  sold  ? 

No — all  that 's  worth  a  wish — a  thought — 

Fair  virtue  gives,  unbrib'd,  unbought. 

Cease  then  on  trash  thy  hopes  to  bind, 

Let  nobler  views  engage  thy  mind. 

Dr.  Johnson. 

Oh,  bane  of  man  !  seducing  cheat! 

Can  man,  weak  man,  thy  power  defeat? 

Gold  banish'd  honour  from  the  mind, 

And  only  left  the  name  behind; 

Gold  sow'd  the  world  with  ev'ry  ill, 

Gold  taught  the  murderer's  sword  to  kill; 

'T  was  gold  instructed  coward  hearts 

In  treachery's  more  pernicious  arts.  Gay. 


256  GOLD. 

Gold,  many  hunted,  sweat,  and  bled  for  Gold; 

Waked  all  the  night,  and  laboured  all  the  day. 

And  what  was  this  allurement  dost  thou  ask  ? 

A  dust  dug  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth, 

Which,  being  cast  into  the  fire,  came  out 

A  shining  thing  that  fools  admired,  and  called 

A  god  ;  and  in  devout  and  humble  plight 

Before  it  kneeled,  the  greater  to  the  less ; 

And  on  its  altar  sacrificed  ease,  peace, 

Truth,  faith,  integrity,  good  conscience,  friends, 

Love,  charity,  benevolence,  and  all 

The  sweet  and  tender  sympathies  of  life  ; 

And  to  complete  the  horrid  murderous  rite, 

And  signalize  their  folly,  offered  up 

Their  souls  and  an  eternity  of  bliss, 

To  gain  them — what?  an  hour  of  dreaming  joy, 

A  feverish  hour  that  hasted  to  be  done, 

And  ended  in  the  bitterness  of  woe.  Pollok. 

The  deep  damnation  of  the  crowd,  O  Gold  ! 
Heapeth  reproach  upon  thy  innocent  dust ! 
"Evil's  prolific  root," — "Bribe  of  the  just," — 
"Strength  of  the  false  and  cruel," — "God,  extoll'd 
By  priests,  by  whom  heaven's  pardoning  grace  is  sold," — 

Such  are  thy  titles  !  while,  with  covetous  lust, 
Men  hoard  the  very  ore  they  have  befoul'd 

With  the  tongue's  obloquy  of  wordy  rust, — 
Yet  thou  art  sinless,  Gold  1  and  bright,  and  bland, 

And  fit  for  glorious  offices  ;  and  blest, 
When  put  to  uses  holy.     Oh,  be  sure 
The  curse  is  not  on  thee  ;  for  't  is  the  hand 

That  toucheth  thee  doth  thee  with  stains  invest, 
Or  maketh  thee  beneficent  and  pure  ! 

Calder  Campbell. 
That  universal  idol,  Gold, 

In  homage  all  unites  ; 
Without  a  temple,  't  is  adored, 
And  has  no  hypocrites. 

Nay,  more,  Gold's  warmest  devotees 

Strive  most  to  hide  their  zeal ; 
And  he  that  loves  this  idol  most, 

Would  most  that  love  conceal.  Colton. 


GOODNESS.  257 


GOODNESS. 

TiiKKK  be  many  that  say,  Who  will  shew  us  an\  good?  Lord,  lift 
Thou  up  the  light  of  Thy  countenance  upon  us. — Psalin  iv.  »;. 

There  is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth 
not.     BootesiaBteB,  vii.  20. 

Be  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good;  and  what  doth  th(* 
Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk 
humbly  with  thy  God.— Micah,  vi.  8. 

Do  good  to  them  that  hate  you.— Matthew,  v.   14, 

A-  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let  us  do  good  unto  all  men.— 
Calatians,  vi.  10. 

Hold  fast  that  which  is  good.— I.  Thessalonians,  v.  21. 

Therefore  to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him 
it   is  sin.— James,  iv.  17. 

How  far  the  little  candle  throws  his  beams ! 
So  shines  a  good  deed  in  a  naughty  world. 

Shakspere. 

Great  minds,  like  Heaven,  are  pleased  in  doing  good, 

Though  the  ungrateful  subjects  of  their  favours 

Are  barren  in  return.  Roive. 

Then  to  be  good,  is  to  be  happy:  angels 

Are  happier  than  mankind,  because  they  're  better. 

Rowe. 

Take  well  whate'er  shall  chance,  though  bad  it  be, 
Take  it  for  good,  and  'twill  be  good  to  thee. 

Randolph. 
Good,  the  more 

Communicated,  more  abundant  grows  ; 

The  author  not  impaired,  but  honoured  more. 

Milton. 
Look  round  the  world,  behold  the  chain  of  love 
Combining  all  below,  and  all  above; 
See  plastic  nature  working  to  this  end, 
The  single  atoms  each  to  other  tend. 
Attract,  attracted  to  the  next  in  place, 
Formed  and  impelled  its  neighbour  to  embrace  ; 
See  matter  next,  with  various  life  endued, 
Press  to  one  centre,  still  the  general  good.  Young. 

A  good  man  and  an  angel !     These  between 
How  thin  the  barrier  ?     What  divides  their  fate  ? 


258  GOODNESS. 


Perhaps  a  moment,  or  perhaps  a  year; 

Or  if  an  age,  it  is  a  moment  still, 

A  moment,  or  eternity 's  forgot.  Young. 

Who  never  felt  the  impatient  throb — 

The  longing  of  a  heart  that  pants 

And  reaches  after  distant  good.  Coioper. 

Snre  the  last  end 
Of  the  good  man  is  peace! — how  calm  his  exit! 
Night-dews  fall  not  more  gently  to  the  ground, 
Nor  weary  worn-out  winds  expire  so  soft !  Blair. 

The  good  are  better  made  by  ill, 

As  odours  crushed,  are  better  still.  Rogers. 

As  flowers  which  night,  when  day  is  o'er,  perfume, 
Breathes  the  sweet  memory  from  a  good  man's  tomb 

'  Sir  E.  B.  Lytt 

When  to  the  common  rest  that  crowns  our  days. 
Called  in  the  noon  of  life,  the  good  man  goes. 
Or  full  of  years,  or  ripe  in  wisdom,  lays 
His  silver  temples  in  their  last  repose ; 
When,  o'er  the  buds  of  youth,  the  death-wind  blows. 
And  blights  the  fairest ;  when  our  bitterest  tears 
Stream,  as  the  eyes  of  those  that  love  us  close, 
We  think  on  what  they  were,  with  many  fears 
Lest  goodness  die  with  them,   and   leave   the  coming 
years.  TV.  C.  Bryant. 


'•on. 


Give  credit  to  thy  mortal  brother's  heart 
For  all  the  good  that  in  thine  own  hath  part. 

Mrs.  Norton. 
Never  despair  of  goodness.     Men  are  bad, 
But  have  been  worse.     The  badness  shall  die  out. 
The  goodness,  like  the  thistle-down,  shall  float. 
Bearing  a  germ  beneath  its  tiny  car — 
A  germ  predestined  to  become  a  tree, 
To  fall  on  fruitful  soil,  and  on  its  boughs 
Bear  seed  enough  to  stock  the  universe. 

Charles  Mack  ay 


GOSPEL.  259 


GOSPEL. 

AND  He  said  unto  them,  (Jo  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
■  ry  creature. — Mark,  xvi.  16. 

To  the  poor  the  </<<*//.  I  is  preached. — Luke.  vii.  '2'2. 

For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it  is  the  power 
of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth ;  to  the  Jew  first, 
and  also  to  the  Greek.— Romans,  i.  It;. 

The  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation. — Ephesians,  i.  13. 

If  ye  continue  in  the  faith  grounded  and  settled,  and  be  not  moved 
away  from  the  hope  of  the  gospel,  which  ye  have  beard,  and  which 
was  preached  to  every  creature  which  is   under  heaven. — Col 

i.  n. 

And  I  saw  another  angel  rly  in  the  midst  of  heaven,  having  the 
everlasting  gotpel  to  preach  unto  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  and 
to  every  nation,  and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people. — Revelation, 
xiv.  6. 

O,  I  have  seen,  (nor  hope  perhaps  in  vain, 

Ere  life  go  down,  to  see  such  sights  again,) 

A  veteran  warrior  in  the  Christian  field, 

Who  never  saw  the  sword  he  could  uot  wield ; 

Grave  without  dulness,  learned  without  pride, 

Exact,  yet  not  precise,  though  meek,  keen-eyed; 

A  man  that  would  have  foiled,  at  their  own  play, 

A  dozen  would-be's  of  the  modern  day ; 

Who,  when  occasion  justified  its  use, 

Had  wit  as  bright,  as  ready  to  produce ; 

Could  fetch  the  records  of  an  earlier  age, 

Or  from  philosophy's  enlightened  page 

His  rich  materials,  and  regale  your  ear 

With  strains  it  was  a  privilege  to  hear : 

Yet,  above  all,  his  luxury  supreme, 

And  his  chief  glory  was  the  gospel  theme ; 

There  he  was  copious  as  old  Greece  or  Rome, 

His  happy  eloquence  seemed  there  at  home, — 

Ambitious  not  to  shine,  or  to  excel, 

But,  to  treat  justly  what  he  loved  so  well.  Coivper. 

Behold  His  life,  and  learn  from  Him  to  live  ; 

In  death  still  greater  view  thy  dying  Lord, 

And  imitate  that  worth  thou  canst  not  reach. 

Smooth  are  His  paths,  and  to  conduct  thy  feet, 

The  Gospel's  holy  light  around  thee  sheds 

Its  mild  effulgence.  William  Bollatid. 


260  GOSPEL. 


Gazing  ever  on  the  Gospel  light, 
That  endless  source  of  evidence  and  truth, 
Prove  every  doctrine  by  that  golden  rule, 
And  "try  the  spirits  if  they  be  of  God." 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 

The  Gospel's  glorious  hope, 
Its  rule  of  purity,  its  eye  of  prayer, 
Its  fort  of  firmness  on  temptation's  steep, 
Its  bark  that  fails  not,  'mid  the  storm  of  death, 
He  spread  before  them5  and  with  gentlest  tone, 
Such  as  a  brother  to  his  sister  breathes, 
His  little  sister,  simple  and  untaught, 
Did  urge  them  to  the  shelter  of  that  ark 
Which  rides  the  wrathful  deluge.  Mrs.  Sigoumey. 

The  moon  is  up  !     How  calm  and  slow 

She  wheels  above  the  hill ; 
The  weary  winds  forget  to  blow, 

And  all  the  world  lies  still. 

The  way-worn  travellers,  with  delight, 

The  rising  brightness  see, 
Revealing  all  the  paths  and  plains, 

And  gilding  every  tree. 

It  glistens  where  the  hurrying  stream 

Its  little  ripple  leaves; 
It  falls  upon  the  forest  shade, 

And  sparkles  on  the  leaves. 

So  once,  on  Judah's  evening  hills, 

The  heavenly  lustre  spread  ; 
The  gospel  sounded  from  the  blaze, 

And  shepherds  gazed  with  dread. 

And  still  that  light  upon  the  world 

Its  guiding  splendour  throws  ; 
Bright  in  the  opening  hours  of  life, 

But  brighter  at  the  close. 

The  waning  moon  in  time  shall  fail 

To  walk  the  midnight  skies, 
But  God  hath  kindled  this  bright  light 

With  fire  that  never  dies.       W.  B.  O.  Peabody. 


261 


GKACE. 


The  Lord  will  give  gran-  and  glory;  do  good  thing  will  he  with- 
hold from  them  that  walk  uprightly. — Psalm  lxxxiv.  11. 

The  law  was  given  by  Moses,  but  grace  and  truth  came  by  Jisus 
Christ.— John,  i.  17. 

We  have  access  by  faith  Into  thi>  <irac  wherein  we  stand,  and  to- 
joioe  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. — Romans,  v.  2. 

■race  is  sufficient  for  thee :  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in 
weakness.— II.  Corinthians,  xii.  9. 

Wot  the  grace  of  God  that  bringetb  salvation  hath  appeared  to  all 
men.— Titus,  ii.  11. 

Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 
obtain  mercv,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need.— Hebrews, 
iv.  IS. 

Pbay  for  the  health  of  all  that  are  diseased, 
Confession  unto  all  that  are  convicted, 

And  patience  unto  all  that  are  displeased, 
And  comfort  unto  all  that  are  afflicted, 

And  mercy  unto  all  that  have  offended, 

And  grace  to  all,  that  all  may  be  amended. 

Nicholas  Breton. 

The  flesh  being  proud,  Desire  doth  fight  with  Grace, 

And  there  it  revels,  and  when  that  decays, 

The  guilty  rebel  for  remission  prays.  ShaJcspere. 

That  word,  Grace, 
In  an  xmgracious  mouth,  is  but  profane.         ShaJcspere. 

Who  God  doth  late  and  early  pray, 

More  of  His  grace  than  gifts  to  lend  ; 
And  entertains  the  harmless  day 

"With  a  religious  book  or  friend ; — 
This  man  is  freed  from  servile  bands 

Of  hope  to  rise,  or  fear  to  fall ; 
Lord  of  himself,  though  not  of  lands, 

And  having  nothing,  yet  hath  all. 

Henry  Wotton. 

Prevenient  grace  descending  had  removed 

The  stony  from  their  hearts.  Milton. 

But  grace,  abused,  brings  forth  the  foulest  deeds, 

As  richest  soil,  the  most  luxuriant  weeds.  Cowper. 


262  GBACE. 


My  stock  lies  dead,  and  no  increase, 
Dotk  my  dull  husbandry  improve  ; 
O  let  thy  grace  still  without  cease, 

Drop  from  above ! 

The  dew  doth  every  morning  fall, 

And  shall  the  dew  outstrip  thy  dove, 
The  dew  for  which  grass  cannot  call  ? 

Drop  from  above ! 

Death  is  still  working  like  a  mole, 

And  digs  my  grave  at  each  remove  ; 
Let  grace  work  too,  and  on  my  soul 

Drop  from  above ! 

Sin  is  still  hammering  my  heart 
Unto  a  hardness  void  of  love ; 
Let  suppling  grace,  to  cross  his  art, 

Drop  from  above ! 

O  come !  for  Thou  dost  know  the  way, 

Or  if  to  me  thou  wilt  not  move, 
Remove  me  when  I  need,  and  say — 

Drop  from  above ! 

George  Herbert. 

I  want  that  grace  which  springs  from  Thee, 
Which  quickens  all  things  where  it  flows, 

And  makes  a  wretched  thorn  like  me 

Bloom  as  the  myrtle,  or  the  rose.  Coivper. 

All-powerful  Grace,  exert  thy  gentle  sway, 
And  teach  my  rebel  passions  to  obey; 
Lest  lurking  folly,  with  insidious  art, 
Regain  my  volatile,  inconstant  heart ! 

Mrs.  Carter. 
O  God  !  how  beautiful  the  thought, 

How  merciful  the  bless'd  decree, 
That  Grace  can  e'er  be  found,  when  sought, 

And  nought  shut  out  the  soul  from  Thee. 
The  cell  may  cramp,  the  fetters  gall, 

The  flame  may  scorch,  the  rack  may  tear ; 
But  torture,  stake,  or  prison-wall, 

Can  be  endured  with  faith  and  prayer. 

Eliza  Cook. 


GRACE.  263 

This  grace  is  ours:  who  asks  in  Thy  great  name, 
M  ay  ask  for  all ;  and  with  assurance  claim 
The  purchased  pardon  to  believers  given. 
The  seal  of  mercy,  and  the  hope  of  heaven. 

Perronet . 
Every  act 
Which  shunned  the  trifling  plaudit  of  mankind, 
Shall  here  to  wondering  millions  be  displayed, 
A  monument  of  grace.  C.  P.  Layard. 

Faith!  anchor  of  the  soul  amid  the  storms 

Which  vex  and  toss  the  ocean  deep,  which  forms 

The  pathway  to  that  land  of  light  and  love, 

Which  waits  the  ransom'd  in  the  world  above  ; 

While  this  life  lasts,  I  fain  would  stay  on  thee ; 

I  shall  not  need  thee  in  eternity. 

Hope  !  be  thou  mine,  while  here  on  earth  I  rove, 

But  onty  till  I  reach  my  home  above : 

But  Charity  !  of  christian  graces  best, 

Ever  increasing,  blessing  still  and  blest, 

Thou  shalt  remain  when  Faith  and  Hope  shall  cease, 

The  source  and  fulness  e'en  of  Heaven's  bliss ! 

No  period  circumscribes  my  prayer  for  thee ; 

Be  mine  on  earth,  and  through  eternity  ! 

Mary  Milner. 
Grace  !  't  is  a  charming  sound, 

Harmonious  to  my  ear ; 
Heaven  with  the  echo  shall  resound, 

And  all  the  earth  shall  hear. 

Grace  first  contrived  a  way 

To  save  rebellious  man  ; 
And  all  the  steps  that  grace  display 

Which  drew  the  wondrous  plan. 

Grace  taught  my  wand'ring  feet 

To  tread  the  heavenly  road  ; 
And  new  supplies  each  hour  I  meet, 

While  pressing  on  to  God. 

Grace  all  the  work  shall  crown, 

Through  everlasting  days ; 
It  lays  in  heaven  the  topmost  stone, 

And  well  deserves  the  praise.  Doddridge. 


264 


GRAVE— TOMB. 


THE  Lord  killetb.  and  maketh  alive  :  he  bringeth  down  to  the  grave, 
and  bringeth  np.  -I.  Samuel,  ii.  6. 

G-od  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the  power  of  the  grave:  for  he  shall 
receive  me.— Psalm  xlix.  15. 

Whatsoever  thy  hand  nndeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might;  for 
there  is  no  work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom,  in  the 
grave,  whither  thou  goest.  — Ecclesiastes,  ix.  10. 

I  will  ransom  them  from  the  power  of  the  grace:  I  will  redeem 
them  from  death :  O  death,  I  will  be  thy  plagues ;  0  grave,  I  will  be 
thy  destruction.— Hosea.  xiii.  14. 


When  self-esteem,  or  other's  adulation, 

Would  cunningly  persuade  us  we  are  something 

Above  the  common  level  of  our  kind ; 

The  grave  gainsays  the  smooth-complexion'd  flatt'ry, 

And  with  blunt  truth  acquaints  us  what  we  are. 

Blair 

Dull  grave!  thou  spoil'st  the  dance  of  youthful  blood, 
Strik'st  out  the  dimple  from  the  cheek  of  mirth, 
And  every  smirking  feature  from  the  face ; 
Branding  out  laughter  with  the  name  of  madness. 

Blair. 

All  at  rest  now — all  dust ! — wave  flows  on  wave, 
But  the  sea  dries  not !     What  to  us  the  grave  ? 
It  brings  no  real  homily  ;  we  sigh, 
Pause  for  awhile,  and  murmur  "all  must  die;" 
Then  rush  to  pleasure,  action,  sin,  once  more, 
Swell  the  loud  tide,  and  fret  unto  the  shore. 

Sir  E.  B.  Lytton. 

Oh!  for  a  heart  that  seeks  the  sacred  gloom 
That  hovers  round  the  precincts  of  the  tomb! 
While  fancy,  musing  there,  sees  visions  bright, — 
In  death  discovering  life,  in  darkness,  light. 

What  though  the  chilling  blasts  of  winter's  day 
Forbid  the  garden  longer  to  be  gay? 
Of  winter  yet  I'  11  not  refuse  to  sing, 
Thus  to  be  followed  by  eternal  spring. 

Leigh  Richmond. 


OHAVE.  266 


What  is  the  Grave  of  Pride  P     Is  it  to  lie 

\Neath  sculptured  marble,  where  the  night- winds  sigh 

Through  solemn  arches,  and  'mid  pillars  tall. 

The  while  the  pallid  moonbeams  coldly  fall 

On  shrine,  and  urn,  and  "  animated  bust," 

The  vain  memorials  all  of  "  dust  to  dust  ?" 

Is  it  to  lie  with  hands  uprear'd  in  prayer, 

As  many  a  warrior  rests  in  sculpture  rare  ; 

His  banner  floating  o'er  the  chisell'd  stone, 

'Neath  which,  long  ages  since,  he  laid  him  down, 

To  fear  no  battle-cry,  nor  trumpet  call. 

Till  on  his  startled  ear  the  peal  shall  fall, 

That  from  the  storied  tomb,  or  daisied  sod, 

Death's  sleepers  shall  awake  to  meet  their  God  ? 

Then  will  it  seek  not,  if  in  minster-pile, 

"While  music  roll'd  through  each  time-houour'd  aisle, 

And  choral  hymnings  swell  the  flood  of  sound, 

That  rose  and  fell  through  all  the  vaults  around ; 

Or  if  beneath  some  village  yew-tree's  shade, 

The  child  of  earth  to  his  long  rest  were  laid. 

The  marble  tomb  must  yield  its  treasured  trust, 

The  grass-grown  grave  give  up  the  sleeping  dust. 

Mary  Milner. 

I  like  that  ancient  Saxon  phrase  which  calls 
The  burial-ground,  God's  Acre  !     It  is  just ; 

It  consecrates  each  grave  within  its  walls, 
And  breathes  a  benison  o'er  the  sleeping  dust. 

Into  its  furrows  shall  we  all  be  cast, 

In  the  sure  faith  that  we  shall  rise  again 
At  the  great  harvest,  when  the  Archangel's  blast 
Shall  winnow,  like  a  fan,  the  chaff  and  grain. 

Longfellow. 
'Tis  a  blessing  to  live,  but  a  greater  to  die, 
And  the  best  of  the  world,  is  its  path  to  the  sky, — 
Be  it  gloomy  or  bright,  for  the  life  that  He  gave 
Let  us  thank  Him — but  blessed  be  God  for  the  grave! 
'Tis  the  end  of  our  toil,  'tis  the  crown  of  our  bliss, 
'Tis  the  portal  of  happiness — aye,  but  for  this, 
How  hopeless  were  sorrow,  how  narrow  were  love, 
If  they  looked  not  from  earth  to  the  rapture  above  ! 

J.  K.  Mitchell. 


266  GRAVE. 

Come  unto  the  churchyard  near ; 

Where  the  gentle,  whispering  breeze 

Softly  rustleth  through  the  trees; 

Where  the  moonbeam  pure  and  white, 

Falls  in  floods  of  cloudless  light, 

Bathing  many  a  turfy  heap 

Where  the  lowlier  slumberers  sleep ; 

And  the  graceful  willow  waves, 

Banner-like,  o'er  nameless  graves: 

Here  hath  prayer  arisen  like  dew, — 

Here  the  earth  is  holy,  too, 

Lightly  press  each  grassy  mound  : 

Surely  this  is  hallowed  ground.     M.  A.  Browne. 

Through  these  branched  walks  will  contemplation  wind, 
And  grave  wise  Nature's  teachings  on  his  mind ; 
As  the  white  #mye-stones  glimmer  to  his  eye, 
A  solemn  voice  will  thrill  him,  "  Thou  must  die  !" 
When  autumn's  tints  are  glittering  in  the  air, 
That  voice  will  whisper  to  his  soul  "Prepare !" 
When  winter's  snows  are  spread  o'er  hill  and  dell, 
"Oh,  this  is  death !"  that  solemn  voice  will  swell; 
But  when  with  spring,  streams  leap,  and  blossoms  wave, 
"Hope,  Christian,  hope,"  'twill  say,  "there's  life  be- 
yond the  grave"  Alfred  B.  Street. 

The  voice  of  prayer  at  the  sable  bier ! 

A  voice  to  sustain,  to  soothe,  and  to  cheer. 

It  commends  the  spirit  to  God  who  gave ; 

It  lifts  the  thoughts  from  the  cold,  dark  grave  ; 

It  points  to  the  glory  where  He  shall  reign 

Who  whispered,  "Thy  brother  shall  rise  again!" 

Henry  Ware,  Jun. 
Yes!  it  is  a  certain  sleep, 

Where  dreams  of  woe  can  ne'er  intrude ; 
Ah!  if  no  earthly  passion  creep 
Into  its  solemn  solitude. 

If  there  at  length  we  cease  to  feel 

Each  pang,  which  living  rends  the  breast ; 

Who  would  not  from  this  vain  world  steal 

Into  the  silent  grave  to  rest?  Arthur  Brook. 


GREATNESS.  267 


GKEATNESS. 

Am/ribe  ye  greatness  unto  our  God.— Deuteronomy,  xxxii.  8. 

Qr.nt  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised;    and   H 
unsearchable.— Psalm  cxlv.  :■;. 

Then  there  arose  a  reasoning  among  them,  which  of  them  should 
be  greatest. 

And  Jesns  perceiving  the  thought  of  their  heart,  took  a  child,  and 
set  him  by  him, 

And  said  unto  them.  Whosoever  shall  receive  this  child  in  my  name 
receiveth  me ;  and  whosoever  shall  receive  me  receiveth  him  that  sent 
me :   for  he  that  is   least  among  you  all.  the   same  shall   be     - 
Luke,  ix.  46.  47,  48. 

O  happy  man,  saith  he,  that  lo  I  see 
Grazing  his  cattle  in  those  pleasant  fields, 
If  he  but  knew  his  good.     How  blessed  he 
That  feels  not  what  affliction  greatness  yields  ! 
Other  than  what  he  is  who  would  not  be, 
Nor  change  his  state  with  him  that  sceptre  wields. 
Thine,  thine  is  that  true  life  ;  that  is  to  live, 
To  rest  secure,  and  not  rise  up  to  grieve. 

Samuel  Daniel. 

The  good  alone  are  great  I 
When  winds  the  mountain  oak  assail. 

And  lay  its  glories  waste, 
Content  may  slumber  in  the  vale, 

Unconscious  of  the  blast. 
Through  scenes  of  tumult  while  we  roam, 
The  heart,  alas  !  is  ne'er  at  home  ; 

It  hopes  in  time  to  roam  no  more. 
The  mariner,  not  vainly  brave, 
Combats  the  storm,  and  rides  the  wave, 

To  rest  at  last  on  shore, 

Yeproud,  ye  selfish,  ye  severe, 

How  vain  your  mask  of  state ; 
The  good  alone  have  joy  sincere, 

The  good  alone  are  great ! 
Great,  when  amid  the  vale  of  peace, 
They  bid  the  plaint  of  sorrow  cease, 

Aid  hear  the  voice  of  artless  praise ; 
As  when  along  the  trophied  plain 
Sublime  they  lead  the  victor  train, 

"While  shouting  nations  gaze.  Beattie. 


268  GREATNESS. 

The  wretched  tumults  that  confound 
The  soul,  nor  wealth  can  tell,  nor  kingly  state ; 
And  stubborn  are  the  cares  that  hover  round 

The  vaulted  ceilings  of  the  great.  Horace. 

To  meet  life's  ills  with  soul  serene, 

Treading  the  path  our  Saviour  trod  : 
To  live  as  seeing  things  unseen, 

To  walk  and  commune  with  our  God ; 
This  is  true  greatness  I  worth  divine  ! 

Giv'n  by  the  Spirit  and  the  Word 
To  man  !     Thus  grows  that  living  shrine, 

Formed,  hallowed,  dwelt  in  by  the  Lord ! 

Rev.  W.  M.  Hetherington. 

What  though  the  great, 
With  costly  pomp,  and  aromatic  sweets, 
Embalmed  his  poor  remains  ;  or  through  the  dome 
A  thousand  tapers  shed  their  gloomy  light, 
While  solemn  organs  to  his  parting  soul 
Chaunted  slow  orisons  ;  say,  by  what  mark 
Dost  thou  discern  him  from  the  lowly  swain, 
Whose  mouldering  bones  beneath  the  thorn-bound  turf, 
Long  lay  neglected.  Glynn. 

The  truly  great  are  those  who  make  least  noise, 

And  walk  with  humble  looks  upon  the  earth ; 

They  nor  affect  a  swelling  part,  nor  speak 

Big  words,  that  make  their  hearers  stand  aside 

In  silent  awe,  and  clear  an  ample  space, 

Like  Liliputians  for  some  Gulliver. 

Greatness  consists  not  in  such  empty  gauds 

As  dazzle  and  attract  the  public  eye ; 

It  rests  not  on  the  breath  of  multitudes, 

For  soothly  hath  the  poet  said — "The  world 

Knows  nothing  of  its  greatest  men."     There  went 

A  great  man  once  about  the  daily  paths 

Of  life,  and  few  there  were  that  recognised 

The  greatness  that  in  goodness  dwelt ;  and  still 

Small  is  the  number  unto  whom  this  truth 

Is  made  apparent.  Egone. 


GRIEF.  269 


GKIEF. 

BBis  despised  and  rejected  of  nun  ;  a  man  of  Borrows  and  acquainted 

with  grit/.-  and  we  hi<i  as  it  were  our  tares  from  Him  :  He  was  despised, 

and  we  esteemed  Him  not. 

surely  He  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows;  yet  we 
did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God,  and  afflicted.  Isaiah, 
liii.  :;.  4. 

For  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  lor  ever : 

For  though  He  cause  grief,  yet  will  He  have  compassion  according 
to  the  multitude  of  Hia  mercies. 

For  He  doth  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men.— 
Lamentations,  iii.  31,  :!'_'.  3ii. 

For  this  is  thankworthy,  if  a  man  for  conscience  toward  God  endure 
suffering  wrongfully.     I.  Peter,  ii.  19. 

When  grief  that  well  might  humble,  swells  our  pride, 

And  pride  increasing,  aggravates  our  grief, 

The  tempest  must  prevail  till  we  are  lost.  Lillo. 

Every  grief  we  feel 
Shortens  the  destined  number ;  every  pulse 
Beats  a  short  moment  of  the  pain  away, 
And  the  last  stroke  will  come.     By  swift  degrees 
Time  sweeps  us  off,  and  soon  we  shall  arrive 
At  life's  sweet  period.     Celestial  point 
That  ends  this  mortal  story.  Watts. 

We  grieve  to  think  our  eyes  no  more 

That  form,  those  features  loved,  shall  trace. 

But  sweet  it  is  from  memory's  store 
To  call  each  fondly-cherished  grace, 
And  fold  them  in  the  heart's  embrace. 

No  bliss  'mid  worldly  crowds  is  bred, 

Like  musing  on  the  sainted  dead. 

We  grieve  to  see  expired  the  race 
They  ran,  intent  on  works  of  love ; 

But  sweet  to  think  no  mixture  base, 
With  which  their  better  nature  strove, 
Shall  rear  their  virtuous  deeds  above. 

Sin  o'er  their  soul  has  lost  its  hold, 

And  left  them  with  their  earthly  mould. 

Bishop  Mant. 


270 


This  is  the  curse  of  time.     Alas! 
In  grief  I  am  not  all  unlearned; 

Once  thro'  mine  own  doors  death  did  pass- 
One  went  who  never  hath  returned. 


Let  grief  be  her  own  mistress  still, 

She  loveth  her  own  anguish  deep, 
More  than  much  pleasure.     Let  her  will 

Be  done — to  weep  or  not  to  weep. 

Words  weaker  than  your  grief,  would  make 
Grief  more.     'Twere  better  I  should  cease ; 

Altho'  myself  could  almost  take 

The  place  of  him  that  sleeps  in  peace. 

Tennyson. 

We  overstate  the  ills  of  life,  and  take 

Imagination,  given  us  to  bring  down 

The  choirs  of  singing  angels,  overshone 

By  God's  clear  glory, — down  our  earth,  to  rake 

The  dismal  snows  instead;  flake  following  flake, 

To  cover  all  the  corn.     We  walk  upon 

The  shadow  of  hills,  across  a  level  thrown, 

And  pant  like  climbers.     Near  the  alder-brake 

We  sigh  so  louo1 .  the  Nightingale  within 

Refuses  to  sing  loud,  as  else  she  would. 

O,  brothers  !  let  us  leave  the  shame  and  sin 

Of  taking  vainly,  in  a  plaintive  mood, 

The  holy  name  of  Grief! — holy  herein, 

That  by  the  grief  of  One,  came  all  our  good. 

Miss  Barrett. 

Warm,  soft,  motionless, 
As  flowers  in  stillest  noon  before  the  sun, 
They  lie  three  paces  from  him :  such  they  lie 
As  when  he  left  them  sleeping  side  by  side, 
A  mother's  arm  round  each,  a  mother's  cheeks 
Between  them,  flusht  with  happiness  and  love. 
He  was  more  changed  than  they  were,  doomed  to  show, 
Thee  and  the  stranger,  how  defaced  and  scarr'd 
Grief  hunts  us  down  the  precipice  of  years, 
And  whom  the  faithless  prey  upon  the  last. 

W.  S.  Landor. 


GUIDANCE.  271 


GUIDANCE. 

FOR  this  God  is  onr  God  for  ever  and  ever :   he  \rill  be  our  guide 
even  onto  death.— Psalm  xlviii.  14. 
The  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually.— Isaiah,  Iviii.  11. 

Will  thou  not  from  this  time  cry  unto  me,  My  father,  thou  art  the 
guide  of  my  youth  ?— Jeremiah,  iii.  4. 

That  man 
May  safely  venture  to  go  on  his  way, 
That  is  so  guided,  that  he  cannot  stray. 

Marmyon. 
Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread, 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still ; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 

Addison. 
Difference  of  good  and  ill  for  men  to  know 
Was  needless  sure,  while,  with  the  fearless  eye 
Of  an  obedient  son,  he  might  look  up 
To  the  Almighty  Father  of  his  race, 
And  claim  his  guidance.  John  Hey. 

Whither  midst  falling  dew, 
While  glow  the  heavens  with  the  last  steps  of  day. 
Far  through  their  rosy  depths  dost  thou  pursue 

Thy  solitary  way  P 

Vainly  the  fowler's  eye 
Might  mark  thy  distant  flight  to  do  thee  wrong, 
As,  darkly  painted  on  the  crimson  sky, 

Thy  figure  floats  along. 

Thou'rt  gone,  th'  abyss  of  heaven 
Hath  swallowed  up  thy  form ;  yet  in  my  heart 
Deeply  hath  sunk  the  lesson  thou  hast  given, 

And  shall  not  soon  depart. 

He  who,  from  zone  to  zone 
Guides  through  the  boundless  sky  thy  certain  flight, 
In  the  long  way  that  I  must  tread  alone, 

Will  lead  my  steps  aright.  Bryant. 


272  GUIDANCE. 


I  would  not  have  the  restless  will 

That  hurries  to  and  fro, 
Seeking  for  some  great  thing  to  do, 

Or  secret  thing  to  know, 
I  would  be  treated  as  a  child, 

And  guided  where  to  go.  L.  A.  Waring. 

Here,  where  all  climes  their  offerings  send, 
Here,  where  all  arts  their  tribute  lay, 

Before  thy  presence,  Lord,  we  bend, 
And  for  thy  smile  and  blessing  pray. 

For  Thou  dost  sway  the  tides  of  thought, 

And  hold  the  issues  in  thy  hand, 
Of  all  that  human  toil  has  wrought, 

And  all  that  human  skill  has  plann'd. 

Thou  lead'st  the  restless  Power  of  Mind 

O'er  destiny's  untrodden  field, 
And  guid'st  him  wandering  bold  but  blind, 

To  mighty  ends  not  yet  revealed.  Anon. 


Guide  me,  O  Thou  great  Jehovah, 

Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land ! 
I  am  weak,  but  Thou  art  mighty, 

Hold  me  with  Thy  powerful  hand ! 
Bread  of  heaven, 

Peed  me  till  I  want  no  more. 

Open  Thou  the  crystal  fountain, 

Whence  the  healing  waters  flow  ! 
Let  the  fiery  cloudy  pillar 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through  ! 
Strong  Deliv'rer ! 

Be  Thou  still  my  strength  and  shield  ! 

When  I  tread  the  verge  of  Jordan, 

Bid  my  anxious  fears  subside  ; 
Death  of  death,  and  hell's  destruction, 

Land  me  safe  on  Canaan's  side  ! 
Songs  of  praises 

I  will  ever  give  to  Thee.  Oliver. 


GUILT.  273 


GUILT. 

L'hk  Lord,  the  Lord  God.  merciful  and  irraeious.  longsuffering,  and 
ibundaut  in  goodness  and  truth. 

Keeping  mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  Iniquity  and  transgression, 
uid  sin.  and  that  will  by  do  means  clear  the  grwlfty.— Bxodos,  xxxiv. 

The  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  His  name  in  vain. 
Deuteronomy,  v.  11. 

Deliver  me  from  blood-guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  mv  salvation  : 
and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  Thy  righteousness.  —Psalm  li.  II. 

Pot  whosoever   shall   keep  the  whole   law.  and    yet   offend   in   one 
point,  he  is  guilty  of  all.— James,  ii.  10. 

Amidst  the  royal  race,  see  Nathan  stand  : 

Fervent  he  seems  to  speak,  and  lifts  his  hand ; 

His  looks  the  emotion  of  his  soul  disclose, 

And  eloquence  from  every  gesture  flows. 

Such,  and  so  stern  he  came,  ordained  to  bring 

The  ungrateful  mandate  to  the  guilty  king : 

When,  at  his  dreadful  voice,  a  sudden  Bmart 

Shot  through  the  trembling  monarch's  conscious  heart. 

From  his  own  lips  condemned,  severe  decree, 

Had  his  God  proved  as  stern  a  Judge  as  he. 

Bishop  Lowth. 
O.  happy  pair. 
Lords  of  fair  Eden's  blooming  range,  where  earth, 
Benignant  parent,  from  her  verdant  lap 
Spontaneous  pour'd  immortal  sweets,  and  gave 
Whate'er  could  minister  delight !     Too  soon. 
Alas,  this  scene  was  closed :  behold  them  now, 
So  lately  rich  in  happiness,  and  blessed 
With  converse  of  the  Living  God,  o'erwhelmed 
In  misery,  and  tortured  by  the  stings 
Of  conscious  guilt.  Samuel  Hi  i  tit  t, 

(juilf  is  a  timorous  thing,  ere  perpetration: 
Despair  alone  makes  guilty  men  be  bold.         Coler 

And  oh,  that  pang,  where  more  than  madness  lies ! 
The  worm  that  will  not  sleep,  and  never  dies  ; 
Thought  of  the  gloomy  day,  and  ghastly  night, 
That  dreads  the  darkness,  and  yet  loathes  the  light : 
That  winds  around,  and  tears  the  quivering  heart. 
Ah  !  wherefore  not  consume  it  and  depart !  Byron. 

*  T 


274  GUILT. 


Skeptic,  whoe'er  thou  art,  tell,  if  thou  knowest, 

Why  every  nation,  every  clime,  though  all 

In  laws,  in  rites,  in  manners  disagree, 

With  one  consent  expect  another  world 

Where  wickedness  shall  weep  ?     Why  in  each  breast 

Is  placed  a  friendly  monitor,  that  prompts, 

Informs,  directs,  encourages,  forbids  ? 

Tell,  why  on  unknown  evil  grief  attends, 

Or  joy  on  secret  good?     Why  Conscience  acts 

With  tenfold  force,  when  sickness,  age,  or  pain 

Stands  tottering  on  the  precipice  of  death  ? 

Or  why  such  horror  gnaws  the  guilty  soul 

Of  dying  sinners,  while  the  good  man  sleeps 


Glynn. 


Peaceful  and  calm,  and  with  a  smile  expires  ? 

Come  and  see  a  sad  example ! 

Look  on  my  unquiet  shade  ; 
Start  not,  sure  't  is  nought  uncommon, 

When  the  bones  in  dust  are  laid, 
That  the  lonely  restless  spirit, 

Whom  a  sense  of  guilt  doth  fill, 
Walks  the  earth  with  ceaseless  labour, 

Seeking  to  undo  the  ill. 

I  was  fond  of  place  and  power, 

Grasped  the  wealth  that  was  not  mine, 
Seized  the  friendless  stranger's  dwelling, 

Left  him  in  despair  to  pine. 
Now,  O  where  are  all  my  riches ! 

Come,  the  sad  reverse  behold, 
For  this  gain  my  soul  is  bartered  ; 

Can  a  spirit's  loss  be  told  ? 

Lopez  de  Mendoza  (Spanish). 

Oppress'd  with  guilt,  a  painful  load, 
O  come,  and  spread  your  woes  abroad  ! 
Divine  compassion,  mighty  love, 
Will  all  the  painful  load  remove. 

Here  mercy's  boundless  ocean  flows 

To  cleanse  your  guilt,  and  heal  your  woes  ; 

Pardon,  and  life,  and  endless  peace  ; 

How  rich  the  gift !  how  free  the  grace  !         Steele. 


HAPPINE8S.  275 


HAPPINESS. 

As  arrows  are    ill  the  hand  of    a  might;  man  :    BO    are  children  m 
the  youth. 

lfuppu  \>  the  man  that  hath  his  quiver  full  of  them  :  they  shall  not 
be   ashamed,  but  they  shall   apeak   with    the   enemies   in   the  gate,— 

Psalm  rwvii.   1.   ">. 

Blessed  is  every  one  that  feareth   the   Lord:    that  walketfa    In   his 

For  thou  shalt  eat  the  labour  of  thine  hands  :  happy  Shalt  thon  be, 
and  it  shall  be  well  with  thee.— Psalm  cxxviii.  1.  '-'. 

Behold  we  count  them  happy  which  endure.— James,  v.  11. 

How  happy  is  he  born  or  taught, 

That  serveth  not  another's  will ; 
Whose  armour  is  his  honest  thought, 

And  simple  truth  his  highest  skill ; 

Whose  passions  not  his  masters  are ; 

Whose  soul  is  still  prepared  for  death  ; 
Not  ty'd  unto  the  world  with  care 

Of  princes'  ear,  or  vulgar  breath  ; 

Who  hath  his  life  from  rumours  freed ; 

Whose  conscience  is  his  strong  retreat ; 
Whose  state  can  neither  flatterers  feed, 

Nor  ruin  make  oppressors  great ; 

Who  envies  none  whom  chance  doth  raise, 

Or  vice  ;  who  never  understood 
How  deepest  wounds  are  giv'n  with  praise, 

Nor  rules  of  state,  but  rules  of  good ; 

Who  God  doth  late  and  early  pray 
More  of  his  grace  than  gifts  to  lend ; 

And  entertains  the  harmless  day 
With  a  chosen  book,  or  friend. 

This  man  is  free  from  servile  bands 

Of  hone  to  rise,  or  fear  to  falJ ; 
Lord  of  himself,  though  not  of  lands, 
And  having  nothing,  yet  hath  all. 

Sir  Henry   Wot  ton. 
He  is  a  happy  man  whose  life,  e'en  now, 
Shows  somewhat  of  that  happier  life  to  come ; 
WTio,  doomed  to  an  obscure,  but  tranquil  state, 
Is  pleased  with  it,  and,  were  he  free  to  choose, 


276  HAPPINESS. 


Would  make  his  fate  his  choice ;  whom  peace,  the  fruit 

Of  virtue,  and  whom  virtue,  fruit  of  faith, 

Prepare  for  happiness ;  bespeak  him  one 

Content  indeed  to  sojourn  while  he  must 

Below  the  skies,  but  having  there  his  home. 

The  world  o'erlooks  him  in  her  busy  search 

Of  objects  more  illustrious  in  her  view ; 

And,  occupied  as  earnestly  as  3he, 

Though  more  sublimely,  he  o'erlooks  the  world. 

She  scorns  his  pleasures,  for  she  knows  them  not ; 

He  seeks  not  hers,  for  he  has  proved  them  vain. 

Cowper. 

Happiness  depends,  as  Mature  shows, 

Less  on  exterior  things  than  most  suppose. 

Vigilant  over  all  that  He  has  made, 

Kind  Providence  attends  with  gracious  aid ; 

Bids  equity  throughout  His  works  prevail, 

And  weighs  the  nations  in  an  even  scale.  Cowper. 

Pour  forth  thy  fervours  for  a  healthful  mind, 

Obedient  passions,  and  a  will  resigned  ; 

For  love,  which  scarce  collective  man  can  fill ; 

For  patience,  sovereign  o'er  transmuted  ill ; 

For  faith,  that,  panting  for  a  happier  seat, 

Counts  death  kind  nature's  signal  of  retreat; 

These  goods  for  man,  the  laws  of  Heaven  ordain, 

These  goods  He  grants,  who  grants  the  power  to  gain ; 

With  these,  celestial  wisdom  calms  the  mind, 

And  makes  the  happiness  she  does  not  find. 

Dr.  Johnson. 

Ambition  searches  all  its  sphere 
Of  pomp  and  state,  to  meet  me  there. 
Increasing  avarice  would  find 
Thy  presence  on  its  gold  enshrined. 
The  bold  adventurer  ploughs  his  way 
Through  rocks,  amidst  the  foaming  sea, 
To  gain  thy  love ;  and  then  perceives, 
Thou  art  not  in  the  rocks  and  waves. 

###### 

No  real  happiness  is  found 

In  trailing  purple  o'er  the  ground.  Parnell. 


HAPPINESS.  277 

How  long,  ye  miserably  blind, 
Shall  idle  dreams  engage  your  mind ; 
How  long  the  passions  make  their  flight 
At  empty  shadows  of  delight  ? 
No  more  in  paths  of  error  stray, 
The  Lord,  thy  Jesus,  is  the  Way, 
The  Spring  of  happiness,  and  where 
Should  men  seek  happiness,  but  there  ? 

Par.iell. 

Consider  man  in  every  sphere, 

Then  tell  me  is  your  lot  severe  ? 

'Tis  murmur,  discontent,  distrust, 

That  makes  you  wretched  :  God  is  just : 

We  're  born  a  restless,  needy  crew ; 

Show  me  a  happier  man  than  you?  &".</• 

When  are  we  happiest  then?     O,  when  resigned 

To  whatsoe'er  our  cup  of  life  may  brim ; 
When  we  can  know  ourselves  but  weak  and  blind 

Creatures  of  earth  ;  and  trust  alone  in  Him 
Who  giveth,  in  his  mercy,  joy  or  pain  ; 

Oh  !  we  are  happiest  then. 

M.  A.  Brown. 

Object  of  my  first  desire, 

Jesus,  crucified  for  me  ! 
All  to  happiness  aspire, 

Only  to  be  found  in  thee  ; 
Thee  to  praise,  and  Thee  to  know, 
Constitute  our  bliss  below  ! 
Thee  to  see,  and  Thee  to  love, 
Constitute  our  bliss  above.  Toplady. 

True  happiness  is  not  the  growth  of  earth, 

The  toil  is  fruitless  if  you  seek  it  here ; 
'T  is  an  exotic  of  celestial  birth, 

And  never  blooms  but  in  celestial  air. 

Sweet  plant  of  Paradise !  thy  seeds  are  sown 
In  here  and  there  a  mind  of  heavenly  mould  ; 

It  rises  slow  and  blooms,  but  ne'er  was  known 

To  ripen  here — the  climate  it  is  too  cold.  Anon. 


278  HAPPINESS. 


One  morning  in  the  month  of  May, 

I  wandered  o'er  the  hill ; 
Though  nature  all  around  was  gay, 

My  heart  was  heavy  still. 

Can  God,  I  thought,  the  good,  the  great, 

These  meaner  creatures  bless ; 
And  yet  deny  our  human  state 

The  boon  of  happiness  ? 

Tell  me,  ye  woods,  ye  smiling  plains, 

Ye  blessed  birds  around, 
Where,  in  creation's  wide  domains. 

Can  perfect  bliss  be  found  ? 

The  birds  wild  carolled  overhead, 

The  breeze  around  me  blew, 
And  nature's  awful  chorus  said, 

No  bliss  for  man  she  knew. 

I  questioned  Love,  whose  early  day 

So  heavenly  bright  appears  ; 
And  Love  in  answer  seemed  to  say 

His  light  was  dimmed  by  tears. 

I  questioned  Friendship  ; — Friendship  moaned, 

And  thus  her  answer  gave ; 
The  friends  whom  fortune  has  not  turned, 

Were  vanished  in  the  grave. 

I  asked  if  Vice  could  bliss  bestow  ; 

Vice  boasted  loud  and  well ; 
But  fading  from  her  pallid  brow. 

The  venomed  roses  fell. 

I  questioned  Virtue  ; — Virtue  sighed, 

No  boon  could  she  dispense ; 
Nor  Virtue  was  her  name  she  cried. 

But  humble  Penitence. 

T  questioned  Death  ;  the  grisly  shade 

Relaxed  his  brow  severe  ; 
And,  "I  am  Happiness"  he  said 

"If  Virtue  guides  thee  here!"       Bishop  Heber. 


279 


HARVEST. 


Thk  harvest  is  past,  the  summer  i-  ended,  and  we  are  not  Bared, 
Jeremiah,  viii.  '20. 

Then  saith  he  unto  his  disciples,  The  harvest  tmiv  is  plenteous,  but 

the  labourers  are  few  : 

Tray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of   the  harvest,  that    he  will  send  forth 
labourers  into  his  harvest.— Matthew,  i.\.  ■'-'.  88. 

Thu  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world  ;  and  the  reapers  are  the  angels. 
Matthew,  xiii.  39. 


Life  bath  its  seasons  : 
And  time,  on  a  chariot  of  hours. 

Eolls  to  eternity's  gate 
Adown  a  dim  valley,  where  flowers, 

Bereft  of  their  beauty, 
Lie,  withered  and  scattered  by  fate. 

Hearts  have  their  harvests  : 
And  sorrow  goes  after  the  reapers 
To  mildew  the  yellowing  grain  ; 
While  pity,  in  tears, 
Stands  watching  the  labouring  weepers 
Go  reaping  a  harvest  of  pain. 

Youth  is  the  seed-time  : 
The  season  of  sunshine  and  showers, 
That  nurtures  the  delicate  germ 
Which,  in  life's  autumn, 
Will  bring  to  our  bosom  sweet  flowers, 
Or  thorns  and  a  cankering  worm. 

God  is  the  harvest  : 
Whose  sickle  by  mercy  is  wielded 
Among  the  ripe  grain  and  the  tares  : 
Unto  his  garner 
The  sheaves  of  the  gleaner  are  yielded 

With  harvest-home  anthem  and  prayers.     Anon. 

Then  glory  to  the  steel 

That  shines  in  the  reaper's  hand  ; 
And  thanks  to  God,  who  has  bless'd  the  sod, 

And  crowns  the  harvest  land!  JEfiza  Cook. 


"280  HATRED. 


HATRED. 

Let  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scattered  :   let  them  also   that 
hate  him  flee  before  him. — Psalm  lxviii.  1. 

Hatted  stirreth  up  strifes :    but   love   covereth   all  sins. — Proverbs, 
x.  12. 

He  that   hateth  dissembleth  with   his   lips,   and   layeth    up   deceit 
within  him.— Proverbs,  xxvi.  24. 

Hate  the  evil,   and  love   the  good,  and  establish   judgment   in    the 
gate. — Amos,  v.  15. 

He  that  hateth  me  hateth  my  Father  also. — John,  xv.  23. 


I  till  thee  not  the  burning  thunderbolt, 
When  its  fierce  brow  is  lit  in  blasting  flames, 
Stooping  from  its  red  chariot  to  sweep 
The  earth,  its  angry  voice  is  pealing  o'er, 
Is  half  so  deadly,  or  so  sure  as  hate. 
Promethean  hate  !  that  can  make  cowards  bold  ; 
Where  he  pursues  it  is  in  vain  to  flee  ; 
Where  his  form  comes,  a  blight  is  on  the  earth ; 
Where  his  hand  strikes,  life  passeth,  or  is  cursed : 
Where  his  eye  glances,  there  despair  comes  down ; 
Where  his  breath  falls,  all  mercy  vanisheth. 

Constantia  L.  Reddell. 

Blunted  unto  goodness  is  the  heart  which  anger  never 

stirreth, 
But   that   which   hatred    swelleth,    is    keen    to   carve 

out  evil. 
Anger  is  a  noble  infirmity,  the  generous  failing  of  t\w 

just, 
The  one  degree  that  riseth   above  zeal,  asserting  the 

prerogatives  of  virtue ; 
But  hatred  is  a  slow  continuing  crime,  a  fire  in  the 

bad  man's  breast, 
A  dull  and  hungry  flame,  for   ever   craving  insatiate. 
Hatred  would  harm  another;  anger  would  indulge  itself: 
Hatred  is  a  simmering  poison ;  anger,  the  opening  of 

the  valve ; 
Hatred  destroy eth  as  the  upas-tree  ;  anger  smiteth  as 

a  staff; 
Hatred  is  the  atmosphere  of  hell,  but  anger  is  known 

in  heaven.  Martin  F.  Tapper. 


281 


HEAD. 


Thk  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be  found  in  the  w:i\  ol 
righteousness.— Proverbs,  xvi.  31. 

Bran  to  your  old  age  I  am  he ;  and  even  to  hoar  hairs  will  I  cam 
Mm  :  I  have  made,  and  I  will  bear;  even  I  will  cany,  and  will  deliver 
you.— Isaiah,  xlvi.  4. 

The  very  hairs  of  your  head  arc  all  numbered. — Matthew.  \.  30. 

These  hairs  of  age  are  messengers, 
Which  bid  me  fast,  repent,  and  pray  ; 

They  be  of  death  the  harbingers, 

That  doth  prepare  and  dress  the  way  ; 

Wherefore,  I  joy  that  you  may  see 

Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 

They  be  the  lines  that  lead  the  length 

How  far  my  race  was  for  to  run  ; 
They  say  my  youth  is  fled  with  strength, 

And  how  old  age  is  well  begun  ; 
The  which  I  feel,  and  you  may  see 
Such  lines  upon  my  head  to  be. 

They  be  the  strings  of  sober  sound, 

Whose  music  is  harmonical ; 
Their  tunes  declare  a  time  from  ground 

I  came,  and  how  thereto  I  shall ; 
Wherefore  I  love,  that  you  may  see 
Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 

God  grant  to  those  that  white  hairs  have, 

No  worse  them  take  than  I  have  meant ; 
That  after  they  be  laid  in  grave, 

Their  souls  may  joy,  their  lives  well  spent; 
God  grant,  likewise,  that  you  may  see 
Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 

Lord  Vaux. 
Head  of  the  church  triumphant, 

We  joyfully  adore  thee  ! 
Till  thou  appear,  Thy  members  here, 

Shall  sing  like  those  in  glory. 

We  lift  our  hands  and  voices, 

With  blest  anticipation, 
And  cry  aloud,  and  give  to  God 

The  praise  of  our  salvation.  Be  Courcetf. 


HEALING. 


HEALING. 

HRAL  me,  0  Lord,  and  I  shall  be  healed;  save  me,  and  I  shall  be 
saved  :  for  Thou  art  my  praise. — Jeremiah,  xvii.  14. 

But  unto  you  that  fear  my  name  shall  the  Sun  of  righteousness 
arise  with  healing  in  his  wings  ;  and  ye  shall  go  forth,  and  grow  up 
as  calves  of  the  stall. — Malachi,  iv.  2. 

And  when  Jesus  was  entered  into  Capernaum,  there  came  unto  Him 
a  centurian,  beseeching  Him, 

And  saying,  Lord,  my  servant  lieth  at  home  sick  of  the  palsy, 
grievously  tormented. 

And  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  will  come  and  heal  him.— Matthew,  viii. 
r>,  6.  7. 

Now  there  is  at  Jerusalem  by  the  sheep-market  a  pool,  which  is 
called  in  the  Hebrew  tongue  Bethesda,  having  five  porches. 

In  these  lay  a  great  multitude  of  impotent  folk,  of  blind,  halt, 
withered,  waiting  for  the  moving  of  the  water. 

For  an  angel  went  down  at  a  certain  season  into  the  pool,  and 
troubled  the  water  :  whosoever  then  first  after  the  troubling  of  the 
water  stepped  in,  was  made  whole  of  whatsoever  disease  he  had. — 
John,  v.  2,  3,  4. 

Abound  Bethesda's  healing  wave, 

Waiting  to  hear  the  rustling  wing 
Which  spoke  the  angel  nigh,  who  gave 

Its  virtues  to  the  holy  spring, — 
With  earnest,  fixed  solicitude, 
Were  seen  the  afflicted  multitude. 

Among  them  there  was  one  whose  e}re 
Had  often  seen  the  waters  stirred  ; 

Whose  heart  had  often  heaved  the  sigh — 
The  bitter  sigh  of  hope  deferred ; 

Beholding,  while  he  suffered  on, 

The  healing  virtue  giv'n  and  gone  ; 

No  pow'r  had  he  ;  no  friendly  aid 
To  him  the  timely  succour  brought ; 

But  while  his  coming  he  delayed, 
Another  won  the  boon  he  sought ; 

Until  the  Saviour's  love  was  shown, 

Which  healed  him  by  a  word  alone. 

Bethesda's  pool  has  lost  its  power ! 

No  angel,  by  his  glad  descent, 
Dispenses  that  diviner  dower 

Which,  with  its  healing  waters,  went ; 
But  He,  whose  word  surpassed  its  wave, 
Is  still  omnipotent  to  save.  B.  Barton. 


HEALING. 


Oh !  Thou  who  driest  the  mourner's  tear, 

How  dark  this  world  would  be, 
If,  when  deceived,  and  wounded  here, 

We  could  not  fly  to  Thee ! 

The  friends  who  in  our  sunshine  live. 

When  winter  comes  are  flown. 
And  he  who  has  but  tears  to  give, 

May  weep  those  tears  alone. 

But  Thou  wilt  heal  the  broken  heart. 

Which  like  the  plants  that  throw 
Their  fragrance  from  the  wounded  part. 

Breathe  sweetness  out  of  woe.  Moore. 


Dread  Omnipotence  alone, 

Can  heal  the  wound  He  gave ; 
Can  point  the  brim-full,  grief-worn  eyes, 

To  scenes  beyond  the  grave.  Burns. 

Thus  ever  in  the  3teps  of  grief, 

Are  sown  the  precious  seeds  of  joy  ; 
Each  fount  of  Marah  hath  a  leaf, 

Whose  healing  balm  we  may  employ. 
Then,  'mid  life's  fitful,  fleeting  day, 

Look  up  !  the  sky  is  bright  above ! 
Kind  voices  cheer  thee  on  thy  way! 

Faint  spirit !  trust  the  God  of  Love ! 

Miss  A.  D    Woodbridge. 

Ileal  me,  for  my  flesh  is  weak  ; 

Heal  me,  for  thy  grace  I  seek  ; 

This  my  only  plea  I  make, 

Heal  me  for  thy  mercy's  sake.  Lyte. 

Thou  cam'st  with  healing  on  thy  wings, 

Oh,  gentle  gale  of  spring ! 
Like  one  that  some  sweet  message  brings 

Of  hope  and  comforting ; 
So  with  a  power  to  heal  the  smart 
Of  sin,  comes  grace  unto  the  heart.  Egone. 


284  HEALTH. 


HEALTH. 

WHY  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted 
within  me?  hope  thou  in  God:  for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him,  who  is 
the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.— Psalm  xlii.  11. 

Pleasant  words  are  as  an  honey-comb,  sweet  to  the  soul,  and 
health  to  the  bones. — Proverbs,  xvi.  24. 

Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead  ?  is  there  no  physician  there  ?  why  then 
is  not  the  health  of  the  daughter  of  my  people  recovered  ? — Jeremiah 
viii.  22. 

I  will  restore  health  unto  thee,  and  I  will  heal  thee  of  thy  wounds, 
saith  the  Lord.— Jeremiah,  xxx.  17. 

Health,  brightest  visitant  from  heaven, 

Grant  me  with  thee  to  rest ! 
For  the  short  term  by  nature  given, 

Be  thou  my  constant  guest ! 
For  all  the  pride  that  wealth  bestows, 
The  pleasure  that  from  children  flows, 
Whate'er  we  court  in  regal  state 
That  makes  men  covet  to  be  great ; 

Whatever  sweets  we  hope  to  find 

In  Love's  delightful  snare  ; 
Whatever  good  by  Heaven  assigned, 

Whatever  pause  from  care  : 
All  flourish  at  thy  smile  divine  ; 
The  spring  of  loveliness  is  thine, 
And  every  joy  that  warms  our  hearts, 
With  thee  approaches  and  departs. 

Bland,  from  Alciphron. 

Slow  wand'ring  on  the  margin  of  the  deep, 

I  breathe  the  cheering  gale  of  health  once  more ; 

And  see  the  billows  gently  dash  the  steep, 
That  rears  its  bold  head  on  the  sandy  shore. 

Fresh  looks  the  landscape  with  the  dews  of  dawn ; 

A  bluish  mist  swims  o'er  the  softened  grove ; 
The  wanton  deer  bound  lightly  o'er  the  lawn, 

And  every  copse  resounds  with  notes  of  love. 

The  village-clocks  proclaim  the  passing  hour ; 

The  tall  spires  glitter  to  the  early  sun ; 
The  ploughman,  whistling,  quits  his  low-roofed  bow'r. 

And  now  his  peaceful  labour  is  begun. 


HEALTH.  285 


Yet  not  this  ocean,  cheered  with  many  a  sail, 
Nor  all  these  rural  sounds,  and  pastures  fair, 

To  solace  worn  disease  could  aught  avail. 
Or  from  his  bosom  chase  the  clouds  of  care. 

The  merry  morn  no  rapture  could  impart, 

Nor  converse  sweet  of  friends  his  hours  beguile ; 

In  vain  could  beauty  warm  his  aching  heart. 
Or  on  his  cold-wan  cheek  awake  a  smile. 

Yet  oft  we  slight  thy  worth,  O,  blessed  Health  ! 

Poor  mortals  as  we  are,  till  thou  art  flown ; 
And  thy  sweet  joys,  more  dear  than  fame  or  wealth, 

Touch  not  our  hearts,  but  pass  unfelt,  unknown. 

The  joys,  without  whose  aid  whate'er  of  blest, 
Or  great,  or  fair,  the  heavens  to  man  ordain, 

Is  dull  and  tasteless  to  the  unthankful  breast, 
Love  loveless,  youth  old  age,  and  pleasure  pain. 

Rev.  E.  Hamley. 

What  is  life  ? — like  a  flower,  with  the  bane  in  its  bosom, 

To-day,  full  of  promise,  to-morrow  it  dies ! 
And  health  like  the  dewdrop  that  hung  on  its  blossom, 

Survives  but  a  night,  and  exhales  to  the  skies : 
How  oft  'neath  the  bud  that  is  brightest  and  fairest, 

The  seeds  of  the  canker  in  embr}ro  lurk! 
How  oft  at  the  root  of  the  flower  that  is  rarest, 

Secure  in  its  ambush  the  worm  is  at  work ! 

Dr.  W.  Beattie. 

Green  pastures  and  clear  streams. 

Freedom  and  quiet  rest, 
Christ's  flock  enjoy  beneath  his  beams, 

Or  in  his  shadow,  blest. 

The  mountain  and  the  vale, 

Forest  aud  field  they  range  ; 
The  morning  dew,  the  evening  gale. 

Bring  health  ev'ry  change. 

The  wounded  and  the  weak 

He  coni forts,  heals,  and  binds; 
The  lost  he  came  from  heaven  to  seek, 

And  saves  them  when  he  finds. 

J. 


HEARING. 


HEAKING. 

HEAR  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place:  and  when  thou  hearest, 
forgive.— I.  Kings,  viii.  30. 

They  are  like  the  deaf  adder  that  stoppeth  her  ear ;  which  will  not 
hearken  to  the  voice  of  charmers,  charming  never  so  wisely. — Psalm 
lviii.  4,  5. 

He  that  planted  the  ear,  shall  he  not  hear  ?— Psalm  xeiv.  9. 

Incline  thine  ear  unto  wisdom. — Proverbs,  ii.  2. 

The  ear  that  heareth  the  reproof  of  life  abideth  among  the  wise. — 
Pro  verbs,  xv.  31. 

The  hearing  ear,  and  the  seeing  eye,  the  Lord  hath  made  even  both 
of  them.— Proverbs,  xx.  12. 

Take  heed  what  ye  hear.  —  Mark,  iv.  24. 

Take  heed  therefore  how  ye  hear. — Luke.  viii.  18. 


This  is  the  slowest,  yet  the  daintiest  sense ; 

For  even  the  ears  of  such  as  have  no  skill, 
Perceive  a  discord,  and  conceive  offence ; 

And  knowing  not  what 's  good,  yet  find  the  ill. 
And  though  this  sense  first  gentle  music  sound, 

Her  proper  object  is  the  speech  of  men; 
But  that  speech,  chiefly,  which  G-od's  heralds  sound. 

When  their  tongues  utter  what  His  spirit  did  pen. 

Sir  John  Davies. 

As  Thou  hast  touched  our  ears,  and  taught 
Our  tongues  to  speak  Thy  praises  plain, 

Quell  Thou  each  thankless,  godless  thought 
That  would  make  fast  our  bonds  again. 

From  worldly  strife,  from  mirth  unblest, 

Drowning  Thy  music  in  the  breast, 

From  foul  reproach,  from  thrilling  fears, 

Preserve,  good  Lord,  Thy  servants'  ears. 

From  idle  words  that  restless  throng, 

And  haunt  our  hearts  when  we  would  pray, 

From  pride's  false  chime,  and  jarring  wrong, 
Seal  Thou  my  lips,  and  guard  the  way  : 

For  thou  hast  sworn  that  every  ear 

Willing,  or  loath,  Thy  trump  shall  hear, 

And  every  tongue  unchained  be, 

To  own  no  hope,  O  God,  but  Thee.  Keble. 


HEART.  287 


HEART. 

THE  hypocrites  in  heart  heap  up  wrath.— Job,  xxxvi.  13. 

The  heart  knoweth  his  own  bitterness ;  and  a  stranger  doth  not 
Intermeddle  with  his  joy. — Proverbs,  xiv.  10. 

The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately  wicked  :  who 
can  know  it  ? — Jeremiah,  xvii.  9. 

A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  w  itliin 
you:  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I 
will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh.— Ezekiel,  xxxvi.  2ti. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart:  for  they  shall  see  God.— Matthew, 
v.  8. 

A  good  man,  out  of  the  good  treasure  of  his  heart,  bringeth  forth 
that  which  is  good ;  and  an  evil  man,  out  of  the  evil  treasure  of  his 
heart,  bringeth  forth  that  which  is  evil:  for  of  the  abundance  of  the 
heart  his  mouth  speaketh. — Luke,  vi.  4">. 

Hope  maketh  not  ashamed,  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearta  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us. — Romans, 
v.  5. 

With  the  heart  man  believeth  unto  righteousness.— Romans,  x.  10. 

That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith.— Ephesians,  iii.  17. 

I  care  not,  so  my  kernel  relish  well. 

How  slender  be  the  substance  of  my  shell ; 

My  heart  being  virtuous,  let  my  face  be  wan, 

I  am  to  God,  I  only  seem  to  man.  Quarles. 

So  now  the  soul 's  sublimed,  her  sour  desires 

Are  re-calcined  in  Heaven's  well-tempered  fires  ; 

The  heart  restored,  and  purged  from  drossy  nature, 

Now  finds  the  freedom  of  a  new-born  creature  ; 

It  lives  another  life,  it  breathes  new  breath, 

It  neither  fears  nor  feels  the  sting  of  death.      Quarles. 

Heaven's  Sovereign  saves  all  beings  but  Himself 
That  hideous  sight — a  naked,  human  heart.  Youny. 

The  Almighty,  from  His  throne,  on  earth  surveys 

Naught  greater  than  an  honest,  humble  heart ; 

An  humble  heart,  His  residence !  pronounced 

His  second  seat,  and  rival  to  the  skies.  Yomg. 

Wash,  Lord,  and  purify  my  heart, 
And  make  it  clean  in  every  part, 
And  when  't  is  clean,  Lord,  keep  it  too, 
For  that  is  more  than  I  can  do. 

Thomas  Ellwood. 


288  HEART. 


A  temple  of  the  Holy  G-host,  and  yet 

Oft  lodging  fiends  ;  the  dwelling-place  of  all 

The  heavenly  virtues — charity  and  truth, 

Humility,  and  holiness,  and  love — 

And  yet  the  common  haunt  of  anger,  pride, 

Hatred,  revenge,  and  passions  foul  with  lust ; 

Allied  to  heaven,  yet  parleying  oft  with  hell. 

PoUok. 
Consider  well.     The  heart  is  a  deceiver, 
O,  paltering  with  it,  in  some  double  sense, 
Thou  'st    shunned,     perhaps,    the    word    that   would 

condemn  thee, 
E'en  while  thy  will  was  partner  in  the  crime. 

Schiller. 
Thou  too,  my  heart,  whom  He,  and  He  alone, 
Who  all  things  knows,  can  know,  with  love  replete, 
Regenerate  and  pure,  pour  all  thyself 
A  living  sacrifice  before  His  throne ! 

Christopher  Smart. 

Walk  in  the  light !  and  sin,  abhorred, 

Shall  ne'er  defile  again ; 
The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord, 

Shall  cleanse  from  every  stain. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  thou  shalt  find 

Thy  heart  made  truly  His, 
Who  dwells  in  cloudless  light  enshrined, 

In  whom  no  darkness  is.  Bernard   Barton. 

All  our  actions  take 
Their  hues  from  the  complexion  of  the  heart, 
As  landscapes  their  variety  from  light. 

William  Thompson   Bacon. 

Would'st  thou  the  life  of  souls  discern  ? 

Nor  human  wisdom  nor  divine 
Helps  thee  by  aught  beside  to  learn  ; 

Love  is  life's  only  sign. 
The  spring  of  the  regenerate  heart, 
The  pulse,  the  glow  of  every  part, 
Is  the  true  love  of  Christ  our  Lord, 
As  man  embraced,  as  God  adored.  Keble. 


hi:  wen.  289^ 


HEAVEN— HEAVENS. 
THE  no  the  glory  <>f  God. — Psalm  xix.  1. 

All  tbe  host  of  heaven  shall  b  -hall  be 

rolled  together  as  a  scroll:  and  all  t:  :l  fall  down,  as  the 

leaf  ialk'th  off   from  the  vine,  and  as  a  falling  fig   from  the  fig  tree. 

I-aiah.  xxxiv.  4. 

Lay  ap  for  your-  .  where  neither  moth  nor 

rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through  nor  steal: 

Par  where  your  tr  as  are  is  there  will  Your  heart  be  also.  -Matthew, 
vi.  SO,  21. 

Tor  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were 
dissolved,  we  have  a   buil  .  an  house  not  made  with  hands, 

eternal  in  the  heavens. — II.  Corinthians,  v.  1. 

An  inheritance  incorruptible  and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not 
away,  reserved  in  heareii.—I.  Peter,  i.  4. 

We.  according  to  Hi-  promise,  look  for  new  heavens  and  a  new 
earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness.— II.  Peter,  hi.  18. 

In  having  all  things,  and  not  Thee,  what  have  I? 

Not  having  Thee,  what  have  my  labours  got  ? 
Let  me  enjoy  but  Thee,  what  further  crave  I  ? 

And  having  Thee  alone,  what  have  I  not  ? 
I  wish  not  sea  nor  land  ;  nor  would  I  be 
Possessed  of  Heaven,  Heaven  unpossessed  of  Thee. 

Quarles. 
Shall  we  serve  heaven 
With  less  respect  than  we  do  minister 
To  our  gross  selves  ?  Shalspere. 

Plenteous  of  grace,  descend  from  high, 
Rich  in  thy  seven-fold  energy  ! 
Thou  strength  of  his  Almighty  hand, 
Whose  power  does  heaven  and  earth  command. 

Dryden. 
Inquirer  cease,  petitions  yet  remain, 
Which  heaven  may  hear,  nor  deem  religion  vain. 
*****  # 

Still  raise  for  good  the  supplicated  voice, 

But  leave  to  heaven  the  measure  and  the  choice. 

Dr.  Johnson. 
Heaven  's  the  perfection  of  all  that  can 
Be  said  or  thought,  riches,  delight,  or  harmony. 
Health,  beauty ;  and  all  these  not  subject  to 
Tbe  waste  of  time,  but  in  their  height  eternal. 

Shirley. 
*  u 


290  HEAVEN. 


Heav'n  is  a  great  way  off',  and  I  shall  be 

Ten  thousand  years  in  travel,  yet  't  were  happy 

If  I  may  find  a  lodging  there  at  last, 

Though  my  poor  soul  get  thither  upon  crutches. 

Shirley. 

I  sat,  one  day,  upon  a  stone, 

'Rapt  in  a  musing  fit,  alone, 

And  resting  on  my  hand  my  head, 

Thus  to  myself,  in  thought,  I  said — 

"  How  in  these  times  of  care  and  strife, 

Shall  I  direct  my  fleeting  life  P 

Three  precious  jewels  I  require 

To  satisfy  my  heart's  desire  : 

The  first  is  honour,  bright  and  clear ; 

The  next  is  wealth  ;  but  (far  more  dear ! ) 

The  third  is  Heaven  s  approving  smile." 

Then,  after  I  had  mused  awhile, 

I  saw  that  it  was  vain  to  pine 

For  these  three  pearls  in  one  small  shrine  ; 

To  find  within  one  heart  a  place 

For  honour,  wealth,  and  heavenly  grace, 

For  how  can  one,  in  days  like  these, 

Heaven  and  the  world  together  please  ? 

Gostick,  from    Walter   Von   Der    Vogeliceide. 

As  through  the  artist's  intervening  glass 

Our  eye  observes  the  distant  planets  pass. 

A  little  we  discover,  but  allow 

That  more  remains  unseen  than  art  can  show  : 

So  whilst  our  mind  its  knowledge  would  improve. 

(Its  feeble  eye  intent  on  tilings  above,) 

High  as  we  may  we  lift  our  reason  up, 

By  Faith  directed,  and  confirmed  by  Hope : 

Yet  we  are  able  only  to  survey 

Dawnings  of  beams,  and  promises  of  day. 

Heaven  s  fuller  effluence  mocks  our  dazzled  sight  ; 

Too  great  its  swiftness,  and  too  strong  its  light : 

But  soon  the  'mediate  clouds  shall  be  dispelled  ; 

The  sun  shall  then  be  face  to  face  beheld, 

In  all  his  robes,  with  all  his  glory  on, 

Seated  sublime  on  his  meridian  throne. 

Prior. 


HEAVEN.  291 

Friends,  even  in  Heaven,  one  happiness  would  miss, 
Should  they  not  know  each  other  when  in  bliss. 

Bishop  Ken. 

All  hail !   all  hail !    resplendent  vault,  so   wondrously 

display'd, 
Abyss,  where  the  Eternal's  hand  the  scattered  scene 

array 'd ; 
He  gave  them  light ;  His  mighty  hand  suspended  them 

alone; 
And  ever   from  the  chilling  north,  to   India's  sultry 

zone, 
In  every  region  of  the  west,  and  isle  of  southern  sea, 
All    raise,    Oh!    glorious    firmanent,    their    suppliant 

glance  to  thee ! 

Vast  sea  of  air,  with  countless  gems,  I  love  0:1   thee 
to  gaze ! 

Oh  empyreal  space!    Oh  stars!  I   love  your  softened 
rays ; 

Mysterious  torches ;   ye   have   made  the  universe   so 
bright ! 

Yet  from  this  temple  far  above,  ye  bring  your  bor- 
rowed light ! 

What  rapture  fills  thy  spirit,  borne  on  contemplation's 
wing, 

What  charms,  oh,  beauteous  canopy !  thy  varied  aspects 
bring. 
From  the  French  of  Anna   H.   P.  Le   Chatelaln. 


This  world  is  all  a  fleeting  show, 

For  man's  illusion  given  ; 
The  smiles  of  joy,  the  tears  of  woe 
Deceitful  shine,  deceitful  flow, 

There  Vnothing  true  but  heaven. 

And  false  the  light  on  glory's  plume, 

As  fading  hues  of  even, 
And  love,  and  hope,  and  beauty's  bloom, 
Are  blossoms  gathered  for  the  tomb  : 

There  's  nothing  bright  but  heaven. 


Moo, 


292  HEAVEN. 

To  live  in  darkness — in  despair  to  die — 
Is  this  indeed  the  boon  to  mortals  given  ? 

Is  there  no  port — no  rock  of  refuge  nigh  ? 

There  is — to  those  who  fix  their  anchor-hope  in  heaven. 

Turn  then,  O  man  !  and  cast  all  else  aside  ; 

Direct  thy  wandering  thoughts  to  things  above — 
Low  at  the  cross  bow  down — in  that  confide, 

Till  doubt  be  lost  in  faith,  and  bliss  secured  in  love. 

C.  C.  Cotton. 

The  world,  in  all  its  boasted  grandeur  proud, 

In  all  its  stores  of  dazzling  splendour  bright, 
Is  but  a  transient,  unsubstantial  cloud, 

Which  the  sun  skirts  with  momentary  fight : 
Anon,  the  assailing  winds  impetuous  rise, 

Black  lowers  the  tempest  in  the  sullen  sky ; 
Before  the  driving  blast  the  vision  dies, 

And  all  the  vivid  tints  of  splendour  fly  : 
Pass  but  a  moment,  every  ray  is  gone  : 
Nor  e'en  a  vestige  left  where  the  bright  glories  shone. 

And  shall  we,  for  this  visionary  gleam, 

Degenerate,  swerve  from  Heaven's  immortal  plan  ? 
Give  up,  for  vanity's  light  airy  dream, 

The  nobler  heritage  reserved  for  man  ? 
Though  rocks  their  cragged  heads  in  ambush  hide, 

Though  storms  and  tempests  sweep  the  angry  main, 
While  Hope's  fair  star  shines  forth,  auspicious  guide, 

E'en  tempests,  storms,  and  rocks  oppose  in  vain. 
Safe,  'mid  the  ocean's  iterated  force, 
The  sacred  vessel  shapes  her  Heaven-directed  course. 

Samuel  Hayes. 
There  is  an  hour  of  peaceful  rest, 
To  mourning  wanderers  given  ; 
There  is  a  tear  for  souls  distrest, 
A  balm  for  every  wounded  breast, 
'T  is  found  above — in  heaven  ! 

There  is  a  soft,  a  downy  bed, 

'T  is  fair  as  breath  of  even  ; 
A  couch  for  weary  mortals  spread, 
Where  they  may  rest  their  aching  head, 

And  find  repose  in  heaven  !  Anon. 


HELL.  293 


HELL. 

The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations  that  forget 
God.— Psalm  Lx.  17. 

I  will  forewarn  you  whom  ye  shall  fear  :  Fear  him,  which  after  he 
hath  killed  hath  power  to  cast  into  hell.  —Luke.  xii.  "». 

God  spared  not  the  angels  that  sinned,  but  cast  them  down  to  hell. 
and  delivered  them  into  chains  of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto 
judgment.— II.  Peter,  ii.  4. 


Divines  and  dying  men  may  talk  of  hell, 
But  in  my  heart  her  several  torments  dwell. 

Shalcspere. 

Hell,  their  fit  habitation,  fraught  with  fire 
Unquenchable,  the  house  of  woe  and  pain.  Milton. 

Which  way  shall  I  fly, 
Infinite  wrath  and  infinite  despair  ? 
Which  way  I  fly  is  hell;  myself  am  hell ; 
And  in  the  lowest  deep,  a  lower  deep 
Still  threatening  to  devour  me  opens  wide, 
To  which  the  hell  I  suffer  seems  a  heaven.         Milton. 


Hell  hath  no  limits,  nor  is  circumscribed 
In  one  self  place  ;  but  where  we  are  is  hell ; 
And  where  hell  is,  there  must  we  ever  be ; 
And,  to  be  short,  when  all  the  world  dissolves, 
And  rvery  creature  shall  be  purified, 
All  places  shall  be  hell  that  are  not  heaven. 

Marlowe, 

Will  without  power,  the  element  of  hell, 
Abortive  all  its  acts  returning  still 

Upon  itself; oh !  anguish  terrible  ! 

Meet  guerdon  of  self-love,  its  proper  ill ! 

Malice  would  .scowl  upon  the  foe  he  fears  ; 

And  he  with  lip  of  scorn  would  seek  to  kill ; 

But  neither  sees  the  other,  neither  hears — 

For  darkness  each  in  his  own  dungeon  bars, 

Lust  pines  for  dearth,  and  grief  drinks  its  own  tears — 

Each  in  its  solitude  apart.     Hate  wars 

Against  himself,  and  feeds  upon  his  chain, 

Whose  iron  penetrates  the  soul  it  scars, 


294  HELL. 

A  dreadful  solitude  each  mind  insane, 
Each  its  own  place,  its  prison  all  alone, 
And  finds  no  sympathy  to  soften  pain. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

I  11  tell  thee  what  is  hell — thy  memory 
Still  mountained  up  with  records  of  the  past, 
Heap  over  heap,  all  accents  and  all  forms, 
Telling  the  tale  of  joy  and  innocence, 
And  hope,  and  peace,  and  love ;  recording,  too, 
With  stern  fidelity,  the  thousand  wrongs 
"Worked  upon  weakness  and  defencelessness  ; 
The  blest  occasions  trifled  o'er  or  spurned ; 
All  that  hath  been  that  ought  not  to  have  been, 
That  might  have  been  so  different,  that  now 
Cannot  but  be  irrevocably  past ! 

Thy  gangrened  heart, 
Stripped  of  its  self- worn  mask,  and  spread  at  last 
Bare,  in  its  horrible  anatomy, 
Before  thine  own  excruciated  gaze !  D.  P.  Starkey. 

The  day 

Will  come,  when  virtue  from  the  cloud  shall  burst, 
That  long  obscured  her  beams ;  when  sin  shall  fly 
Back  to  her  native  hell ;  there  sink  eclipsed 
In  penal  darkness,  where  nor  star  shall  rise, 
Nor  ever  sunshine  pierce  the  impervious  gloom. 

Glynn. 

In  the  human  breast  there  dwell 

Warring  passions  fierce  and  dark, 
Making  of  their  home  a  hell, 
Of  the  soul  a  driving  bark 
On  a  wild  tempestuous  sea, 

Till  too  oft  't  is  wrecked  and  driven 
Far  away,  far  away  ! 
Hear  the  pitying  angels  say — 
Soul  so  lost,  and  tempest-tost, 
Upon  hell  and  death's  bleak  coast, 
Far  away  from  heaven !  Egone. 


IIELF.  295 


HELP. 


\m>  the  Lord  God  said.  It  is  not  good  that  the  man  Bhould  bo 
Alone:  1  will  main  him  an  help  meet  for  him. —Genesis,  ii.  is. 

and  strength,  a  verj    present    help  in  trouble. — 

l'salm    \lvi.  1. 

(Jive  as  help  from  trouble:  for  vain  is  tlu>  help  of  man.  Psalm 
Ix.  11. 

Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and  earth 
—Psalm  exxiv.  8. 

Why  am  I  loth  to  leave  this  earthly  scene r 

Have  I  so  found  it  full  of  pleasing  charms  ? 
Some  drops  of  joy  with  draughts  of  ill  between  : 

Some  gleams  of  sunshine  'mid  renewing  storms. 
Is  it  departing  pangs  my  soul  alarms  ? 

Or  death's  unlovely,  dreary,  dark  abode  ? 
For  gnilt,  for  guilt,  my  terrors  are  in  arms : 

I  tremble  to  approach  an  angry  God, 
And  justly  smart  beneath  His  sin-avenging  rod. 

Fain  would  I  say,  "Forgive  my  foul  offence!  " 

Fain  promise  never  more  to  disobey  ; 
Hut  should  my  Author  health  again  dispense, 

Again  I  might  desert  from  virtue's  way : 
Again  in  folly's  path  might  go  astray; 

Again  exalt  the  brute  and  sink  the  man ; 
Then  how  should  I  for  Heav'nly  mercy  pray, 

Who  act  so  counter  Heav'nly  mercy's  plan  ? 
'Who  sin  so  oft  have  mourn'd  :  yet  to  temptation  ran. 

O  thou  great  governor  of  all  below  ! 

If  I  may  dare  a  lifted  eye  to  Thee, 
Thy  nod  can  make  the  tempest  cease  to  blow, 

Or  still  the  tumult  of  the  raging  sea ; 
With  that  controlling  power  assist  ev'n  me, 

Those  headlong  furious  passions  to  confine, 
For  all  unfit  I  feel  my  powers  to  be, 

To  rule  their  torrent  in  th'  allowed  line  ; 
* ).  aid  me  with  Thy  help,  Omnipotence  Divine ! 

J i  urns. 
God,  my  supporter  and  my  hope, 

My  help  for  ever  near, 
Thine  arm  of  mercy  held  me  up, 

When  sinking  in  despair.  Watts. 


HILLS. 


HILLS. 

THE  chief  things  of  the  ancient  mountains,  and  for  the  precious? 
things  of  the  lasting  hills. — Deuteronomy,  xxxiii.  15. 

The  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  at  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. — Psalm  xcvii.  5. 

For  the  mountains  shall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed ;  but  my 
kindness  shall  not  depart  from  thee,  saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy 
on  thee.— Isaiah,  liv.  10. 

Then  shall  they  begin  to  say  to  the  mountains,  Fall  on  us ;  and 
to  the  hills,  cover  us.— Luke,  xxiii.  'SO. 


Oh  !  my  heart  panteth  to  be  far  away, 

Amid  the  kills — the  everlasting  hills ; 

For  in  my  dreams  last  night  a  thousand  rills 

And  mountain  torrents  held  resistless  sway 

O'er  my  hush'd  spirit ;  and  the  silent  play 

Of  golden  lights  and  gleamy  shadowings 

Chequer'd  my  veiled  eyes,  like  seraphs'  wings, 

That  fan  the  crimson  light  of  fading  day. 

I  woke  :  the  hum  of  traffic,  and  the  din 

Of  mercenary  crowds,  fill'd  the  calm  air : 

I  heard  the  voice  of  mendicant  despair 

Echo  the  hollow  laugh  of  reckless  sin ; 

And  love  was  not,  nor  peace.     Oh  !  let  me  win 

The  hills,  the  eternal  hills — for  peace  dwells  there ! 

R.  F.  Housman. 

Oh !  ye  time-honoured  hills, 
The  ancient,  the  immortal  is  it  not 
A  high-born  privilege  ne'er  to  be  forgot, 

To  feel  none  of  earth's  ills  ? 

Sublime  are  ye  as  heaven  ! 
Though  bleak,  not  barren;  silent,  yet  not  dumb, 
From  outgone  shadows  health  and  music  come, 

And  thronging  thoughts  are  given ! 

Not  worthless  is  your  aim. 
To  stand  from  age  to  age,  from  hour  to  hour, 
The  Almighty's  temple,  token  of  his  power, 

And  record  of  His  name. 

W.   Anderson. 


HILLS.  297 


For  the  strength  of  the  hills  we  bless  thee, 

Our  God,  our  fathers'  God ! 
Thou  hast  made  the  children  mighty, 

By  the  touch  of  the  mountain  sod. 
Thou  hast  fix'd  our  arch  of  refuge 

Where  the  spoilers  foot  ne'er  trod  ; 
For  the  strength  of  the  hills  we  bless  thee. 

Our  God,  our  fathers'  God. 

We  are  watchers  of  a  beacon 

Whose  lights  must  never  die  ; 
We  are  guardians  of  an  altar 

'Midst  the  silence  of  the  sky  ; 
The  rocks  yield  founts  of  courage, 

Struck  forth  as  by  thy  rod ; 
For  the  strength  of  the  hills  we  bless  thee, 

Our  God,  our  fathers'  God. 

For  the  dark  resounding  heavens, 

Where  thy  still  small  voice  is  heard, 
For  the  strong  pines  of  the  forests, 

That  by  thy  breath  are  stirr'd ; 
For  the  storms  on  whose  free  pinions 

Thy  spirit  walks  abroad  ; 
For  the  strength  of  the  hills  we  bless  thee. 

Our  God,  our  fathers'  God. 

The  royal  eagle  darteth 

On  his  quarry  from  the  heights, 
And  the  stag  that  knows  no  master 

Seeks  there  his  wild  delights  ; 
But  we  for  thy  communion 

Have  sought  the  mountain  sod  ; 
For  the  strength  of  the  hills  we  bless  thee, 

Our  God,  our  fathers'  God  !  Mrs.  Hemaiis. 

Look  up,  my  soul,  toward  the  eternal  hills ; 
Those  heavens  are  fairer  than  they  seem, 
There  pleasures  all  sincere  glide  in  its  crystal  rills, 
There  not  a  dreg  of  guilt  defiles, 
Nor  guilt  disturbs  the  stream  : 
There  is  no  cursed  soil,  no  tainted  spring, 
No  roses  grow  on  thorns,  nor  honey  wears  a  sting. 

Watts, 


298  HOLINESS. 

HOLINESS. 

Thou  art  holy,  0  thou  that  inhabitest  the  praises  of  Israel. — Psalm 
xxii.  3. 

Holiness  becometh  thine  house,  0  Lord,  for  ever. — Psalm  xciii.  5. 

Follow    peace   with    all   men.  and   holiness,  without  wliich  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord.— Hebrews,  xii.  14. 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was.  and  is,  and  is  to 
come. — Revelations,  iv.  8. 

Theice  holy  fount,  thrice  holy  fire, 

Our  hearts  with  heavenly  love  inspire.  Dryden. 

Thus  chastened,  cleansed,  entirely  thine, 

The  sun  of  Holiness  shall  shine.  ff.   K.    White. 

Lord,  be  it  mine,  like  Thine  elect,  to  choose 
The  better  part ;  like  them  to  use 

The  means  Thy  love  hath  given  ; 
Be  holiness  my  aim  on  earth  ; 
That  death  be  welcom'd  as  a  birth 

To  life  and  bliss  in  heaven.  Bishop    Mant. 

Not  all  the  pomp  and  pageantry  of  worlds 

Reflect  such  glory  on  the  eye  supreme, 

As  the  meek  virtues  of  one  holy  man  ; 

For  ever  doth  his  angel,  from  the  face 

Divine,  beatitude  and  wisdom  draw  ; 

And  in  his  prayer,  what  privilege  adored ! 

Mounting  the  heavens,  and  claiming  audience  there; 

Yes!  there,  amid  a  high,  immortal  host 

Of  seraphs,  hymning  in  eternal  choir, 

A  lip  of  clay  its  orisons  can  send, 

In  temple,  or  in  solitude  outbreathed. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Ascribe  ye  holiness  unto  the  Lord; 

Not  unto  man,  for  he  is  never  holy  : 

The  best  of  men,  who  walketh  in  the  light 

Of  a  clear  conscience,  may  not  claim  that  title — 

That  high  distinction,  only  fit  for  those 

Who  dwell  with  Him — the  fount  of  holiness  ! 

Egone. 


HOME.  209 


HOME. 

Man  --.nth  to  his  long  home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets. 
.  xii.  •">. 

toother  also  >ai  i.  Lord,  I  will  follow  thee:  but  let  me  first  go 
bid  them  farewell,  which  are  at  home  at  my  house.  -  Luke,  ix.  61. 

Therefore  we  are  always  confident,  knowing  that,  whilst  we  are  at 
hoin>    in  the    body,  we  are  absent  from  the  Lord. — II.  Corinthians, 


Death  is,  no  doubt,  in  every  place  the  same  : 
Yet  nature  casts  a  look  towards  home,  and  most, 
Who  have  it  in  their  power,  choose  to  expire 
Where  first  thev  drew  their  breath.  Lillo. 


'T  was  early  day,  and  sunlight  streamed 

Soft  through  a  quiet  room, 
That  hushed,  but  not  forsaken  seemed.. 

Still,  but  with  nought  of  gloom. 

For  there,  secure  in  happy  age, 

Whose  hope  is  from  above, 
A  father  communed  with  the  page 

Of  heaven-recorded  love. 

Pure  fell  the  beam  and  meekly  bright 

On  his  gray  holy  hair, 
And  touched  the  book  with  tenderest  light, 

As  if  its  shrine  were  there. 

But.  oh,  that  patriarch's  aspect  shone 

With  something  lovelier  far ; 
A  radiance  all  the  spirit's  own, 

Caught  not  from  sun  or  star. 

Some  word  of  life  e'en  then  had  met 

His  calm  benignant  eve. 
Some  ancient  promise  breathing  yet 

Of  immortality. 

Some  heart's  deep  language,  where  the  glow 

Of  quenchless  faith  survives  ; 
For  every  feature  said,  "I  know 

That  my  Redeemer  lives." 


300  HOME. 


And  silent  stood  his  children  by, 

Hushing  their  very  breath, 
Before  the  solemn  sanctity 

Of  thoughts  o'ersweeping  death. 

Silent,  yet  did  not  each  young  heart 

With  love  and  reverence  melt ; 
Oh  blest  be  those  fair  girls,  and  blest 

That  home  where  God  is  felt.  Mrs.  Hemam. 

Sweet  is  the  smile  of  home  ;  the  mutual  look 

When  hearts  are  of  each  other  sure  ; 
Sweet  all  the  joys  that  crowd  the  household  nook, 

The  haunt  of  all  affections  pure  ; 
Yet  in  the  world  even  these  abide,  and  we 

Above  the  world,  our  calling  boast : 
Once  gain  the  mountain-top,  and  thou  art  free ; 

Till  then,  who  rest,  presume;  who  turn  to  look,  are 
lost.  Keble. 

Yes,  let  the  future  smile  or  mourn, 

To  us  a  glorious  place  is  given, 
With  the  great  church  of  the  first-born, 

Whose  names  are  registered  in  heaven. 

Beyond  the  bounds  of  time's  expansion, 
Where  change  and  sorrow  cannot  come, 

We  're  journeying  to  the  promised  mansion, 
Made  ready  in  our  Father's  home. 

Friends,  kindred,  loving  and  beloved, 

That  wont  on  earth  our  lot  to  cheer, 
Thither  are,  one  by  one  removed, 

And  we  shall  find  them  settled  there. 

Enough  !  though  sin,  and  pain,  and  death, 

This  transitory  world  infest, 
They  who  attain  to  Abraham's  faith, 

Shall  be  with  faithful  Abraham  blest.        Hankinson. 

Our  God,  to  call  us  homeward, 

His  only  Son  sent  down; 
And  now,  still  more  to  tempt  our  hearts, 

Has  taken  up  our  own.  Thomas   Ward. 


HOME.  301 


How  sweetly  flowed  the  gospel's  sound, 

From  lips  of  gentleness  and  grace. 
When  listening  thousands  gathered  round, 

And  joy  and  reverence  filled  the  place. 

From  heaven  He  came — of  heaven  He  spoke, 

To  heaven  He  led  his  followers'  way ; 
Dark  clouds  of  gloomy  night  He  broke, 

Unveiling  an  immortal  day. 

"Come  wanderers  to  my  Father's  home. 

Come,  all  ye  weary  ones,  and  rest!" 
Yes,  sacred  Teacher. — we  will  come — 

Obey  thee,  love  thee,  and  be  blest.  Boioring. 

Home  of  the  Christian !  when  Messiah  comes 
A  scene  of  Heaven  in  miniature  art  thou, 
Where  all  is  redolent  of  charms  divine, 
Temper  renewed,  and  souls  of  grave  becalmed. 
Thy  quiet  precincts  of  a  purer  world 
Breathe  to  the  heart  of  faith,  and,  when  compared 
With  what  the  worldling  in  his  home  enjoys. — 
E'en  like  the  vexing  hum  of  some  large  street, 
Where  all  is  haste  and  hurry,  tramp  and  strife, 
In  contrast  with  the  unpolluted  calm 
Of  some  cathedral,  when  a  spirit's  hush 
Hath  brooded — seems  that  worldlings'  noisy  hour. 

R.  Montgomery . 

How  sweet,  how  consoling,  when  seasons  of  gloom 

Roll  over  the  soul  like  the  billowy  spray, 
To  view  in  the  mansions  of  Heaven  a  home, 
Where  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  vanish  away. 

W.  J.  Brock. 
And  in  our  home  above  there  is  a  friend, 
More  tender,  true,  more  loving  and  sincere, 
Who  knows  each  want,  and  every  help  will  lend 
Our  souls,  through  this  world's  misery  to  steer ; 
In  danger's  path  is  present,  ever  near, 
Allures  to  brighter  worlds,  hath  cleared  the  way, 
Will  wipe  from  every  cheek  the  sinner's  tear, 
Deigns  in  our  hearts  to  claim  a  peaceful  sway, 
And  leads  us  to  our  homes  in  realms  of  endless  day. 

Stuart  Farquharson. 


302  HONESTY. 


HONESTY. 

LET  us  walk  honestly,  as  in  the  day.— Romans,  xiii.  la. 

Study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business,  and  to  work  with 
your  own  hands,  as  we  commanded  you ; 

That  ye  may  walk  honestly  toward  them  that  are  without,  and   that 
ye  may  have  lack  of  nothing. — I.  Thessalonians,  iv.  11,  12. 

Pray  for  us  :  for  we  trust  we  have  a  good  conscience,  in  all  things 
willing  to  live  honestly. — Hebrews,  xiii.  18. 

Honesty  ! 
A  name  scarce  echo  to  a  sound — honesty  ! 
Attend  the  stately  chambers  of  the  great — 
It  dwells  not  there,  nor  in  the  trading  world ; 
Speaks  it  in  councils  ?     No,  the  sophist  knows 
To  laugh  it  thence.  Havard. 

I  ask  not  for  his  lineage, 

I  ask  not  for  his  name — 
If  manliness  be  in  his  heart, 

He  noble  birth  may  claim. 
I  care  not  though  of  world's  wealth 

But  slender  be  his  part ; 
If  yes  you  answer,  when  I  ask — 

Hath  he  a  true  man's  heart  ? 

I  ask  not  from  what  land  he  came, 

Nor  where  his  youth  was  nursed — 
If  pure  the  stream,  it  matters  not 

The  spot  from  whence  it  burst : 
The  palace  or  the  hovel, 

Where  first  his  life  began, 
I  seek  not  of:  but  answer  this — 

Is  he  an  honest  man  ? 

Nay,  blush  not  now — what  matters  it 

Where  first  he  drew  bis  breath? 
A  manger  was  the  cradle-bed 

Of  Him  of  Nazareth  ! 
Be  nought,  be  auy,  every  thing — 

I  care  not  what  you  be — 
It'  yes  you  answer,  when  I  ask — 

Art  thou  pure,  true,  and  free  ?  R.  Nicoll. 


HONOUR.  303 


HONOUR. 

Makk  a  joyful  noise  unto  God,  all  ye  lauds: 

Sim:  forth    the  honour   of    his    name :    make    his    praise   gloxtoos, 
Psalm  l.wi.  1,  2. 

I  receive  not  honour  from  men.— John,  v.  41. 

Jesus  answered,  If  I  honour  myself,  my  honour  is  nothing:  it  is  my 
Father  that  honourvth  me;  of  whom  ye  -ay,  that  he  is  your  God.— 
John.  viii.  ">4. 

Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues ;  tribute  to  whom  tribute  i-  doe  ; 
custom  to  whom  custom  ;  fear  to  whom  fear  :  honour  to  whom  honour. 
— Romans,  xiii.  7. 

The  voice  of  nature,  yea,  the  voice  of  God 
Commands  to  honour  those  that  gave  us  birth, — 
Even  her,  from  whose  supporting  bosom  flowed 
By  far  the  sweetest  stream  that  flows  on  earth ; 
Whose  tongue  of  kindness  never  knew  a  dearth 
Of  soothing  words  that  could  our  griefs  allay — 
Even  him  who  listened  to  our  prattling  mirth, 
Who  early  taught  our  infant  lips  to  pray, 
And  led  our  tottering  steps  to  walk  in  wisdom's  way  : 

A  parent  is  indeed  a  tender  friend, 
And,  if  once  lost,  we  never  more  shall  find 
A  bosom  that  so  tremblingly  can  blend 
Its  feelings  with  our  own  congenial  mind  ; 
Our  lips  may  speak  their  anguish  to  the  wind 
That  hurries  heedlessly  and  wildly  by — 
Our  hearts,  to  lonely  agony  consigned, 
May  thirst  without  relief — for  no  reply 
Comes  from   their  mouldering   breasts,  that  in   their 
graves  lie. 

And  then  we  pause  to  think — alas  !  how  late ! 
Of  deeds  that  wrung  a  parent's  heart  with  pain ; 
And  oh !  could  we  but  open  death's  dark  gate, 
And  lead  them  back  into  the  world  again — 
Oh !  but  once  more  to  see  their  face  ! — 't  is  vain! 
Once  more  to  hear  their  voice  ! — 't  is  sweetly  driven 
Across  our  fancy,  and  expires, — and  then 
We  wish  ourselves  away — away  to  heaven, 
To  weep  upon  their  breast,  and  there  to  be  forgiven. 

Knox. 


304  HONOUK. 

Honour's  a  sacred  tie — the  law  of  kings, 
The  noble  mind's  distinguishing  perfection, 
That  aids  and  strengthens  virtue  when  it  meets  her, 
And  imitates  her  actions  where  she  is  not. 

Addison. 
Honour  demands  my  song.     Forget  the  ground 
My  generous  muse,  and  sit  among  the  stars  ! 
There  sing  the  soul  that,  conscious  of  her  birth. 
Lives  like  a  native  of  the  vital  world 
Amongst  these  dying  clods,  and  bears  her  state 
Just  to  herself:  how  nobly  she  maintains 
Her  character,  superior  to  the  flesh, 
She  wields  her  passions  like  her  limbs,  and  knows 
The  brutal  powers  were  born  but  to  obey.  Watts. 

This  deity,  whose  altars  reek  with  blood, 

Though  millions  bend  the  prostituted  knee 

Before  the  radiant  shrine,  though  millions  own 

His  power  vindictive  just,  and  call  him  Honour, 

All  cannot  sanctify  what  public  good 

What  nature's  moral  dictates  disavow, 

And  Heaven's  almighty  mandate  impious  deems. 

Samuel  Hayes. 
Honour — in  blood  congealed  to  take  a  life, 
Which  had  been  murder  in  the  heat  of  strife ! 
Honour — when  its  result  we  dare  not  tell! 
Honour — to  plunge  a  fellow's  soul  to  hell ! 
Honour — to  stand  to  be  a  murderer's  mark, 
And  hurl  defiance  e'en  with  life's  last  spark  ; 
To  dare  that  law  which  has  for  ages  stood — 
"He  dies  by  man  who  sheds  a  brother's  blood!" 
Oh,  in  that  moment  when  we  all  shall  stand 
Waiting  the  judgment  of  the  Almighty  hand, 
Will  then  thy  honour  palliate  the  crime, 
And  Heaven's  high  monarch  hear  the  plea  of  time  ? 
Stript  of  those  robes  which  make  it  honour  here, 
Before  that  throne  the  murder  will  appear, 
Disrobed  of  ornament  the  sin  is  there ; 
The  crime  is  Cain's ;  why  not  his  judgment  share — 
An  outcast  on  the  earth,  and  in  the  Heaven, 
O  God !  can  crimes  like  these  be  e'er  forgiven  ? 

Anon. 


HOPE.  305 


HOPE. 

Mapi'v  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his  help,  whose  htpe 
is  in  the  Lord  his  God.     Psalm  cxlrL  •*>. 

The   Lord   i-  my  portion,  saith   nay  soul  therefore  will   1  hope  in 
Him.     Lamentatii  ns,  iii.  24. 

It  i-  good  that  a  man   should   both  hope  and   quieth   wait  for  the 
salvation  ol  t!;e  Lord.     Lamentations,  iii.  '-'ti. 

If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hop  in  Christ,  we  are  of   all  men  the 
most  miserable. — L  Corinthians,  xv.  19. 

Which  hof,,-  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and  stead- 
fast, and  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  veil.— Hebrews  vi.  19. 


Upon  her  arm  a  silver  anchor  lay, 

Whereon  she  leaned  ever,  as  befel : 

And  ever  up  to  Heaven  as  she  did  pray, 
Her  steadfast  eyes  were  bent,  not  swerved  otherway. 

Spenser. 

Mope,  eager  hope,  the  assassin  of  our  joy, 

All  present  blessings  treading  under  foot, 

Is  scarce  a  milder  tyrant  than  despair. 

With  no  past  toils  content,  still  planning  new. 

Hope  turns  us  o'er  to  death  alone  for  ease. 

Possession  why  more  tasteless  than  pursuit? 

Why  is  a  wish  far  dearer  than  a  crown? 

That  wish  accomplished,  why  the  grave  of  bliss? 

Because  in  the  great  future  buried  deep, 

Beyond  our  plans  of  empire  and  renown, 

Lies  all  that  man  with  ardour  should  pursue  ; 

And  He  who  made  him,  bent  him  to  the  right. 

Young. 

Rich  Hope  of  boundless  bliss  ! 
Bliss,  past  man's  power  to  paint  it ;  time  's  to  close  ! 
This  Hope  is  earth's  most  estimable  prize  : 
This  is  man's  portion  while  no  more  than  man : 
Hope,  of  all  passions,  most  befriends  us  here ; 
Passions  of  prouder  name  befriend  us  less. 
Joy  has  her  tears,  and  transport  has  her  death  -r 
Hope,  like  a  cordial,  innocent,  though  strong, 
Man's  heart  at  once  inspirits  and  serenes  ; 
Nor  makes  him  pay  his  wisdom  for  his  joys  ; 
'Tis  all  our  present  state  can  safely  bear, 
Health  to  the  frame,  and  vigour  to  the  mind  I 


906  HOPE. 

A  joy  attempered !     A  chastised  delight! 

Like  the  fair  summer  evening,  mild  and  sweet, 

'T  is  man's  full  cup,  his  paradise  below.  Young. 

Hope,  with  uplifted  foot,  set  free  from  earth, 

Pants  for  the  place  of  her  ethereal  birth ; 

On  steady  wings,  sails  through  the  immense  abyss, 

Plucks  amaranthine  joys  from  bowers  of  bliss, 

And  crowns  the  soul,  while  yet  a  mourner  here. 

With  wreaths  like  those  triumphant  spirits  wear. 

Hope,  as  an  anchor,  firm  and  sure,  holds  fast 

The  Christian  vessel,  and  defies  the  blast.  Coivper. 

Keflected  on  the  lake,  I  love 

To  see  the  stars  of  evening  glow  ; 
So  tranquil  in  the  heavens  above, 

So  restless  in  the  wave  below. 

Thus  heavenly  hope  is  all  serene, 
But  earthly  hope,  how  bright  soe'er, 

Still  flutters  o'er  this  changeful  scene. 
As  false,  as  fleeting  as  't  is  fair. 

Bishop  Heber 

Whose  was  that  voice,  that  whispering  sweet, 
Promised  methought  long  days  of  bliss  sincere ; 
Soothing  it  stole  on  my  deluded  ear, 

Most  like  soft  music  that  might  sometimes  cheat 

Thoughts  dark  and  drooping !  't  was  the  voice  of  hope. 

O  f  love  and  social  scenes  it  seem'd  to  speak : 

Of  truth,  of  friendship,  of  affection  meek; 

That  hand  in  hand  along  life's  downward  slope, 
Might  walk  with  peace  and  cheer  the  tranquil  hours  : 
Ah  me !  the  prospect  sadden'd  as  she  sung, 
Loud  on  my  startled  ear  the  death-bell  rung  : 

Chill  darkness  wrapt  the  pleasurable  bowers 
She  built,  while  pointing  to  yon  breathless  clay, 
She  cried,  "No  peace  be  thine,  away,  away !" 

W.  L.  Bowles. 

Daughter  of  faith,  awake,  arise,  illume 

The  dread  unknown,  the  chaos  of  the  tomb ; 

Melt  and  dispel,  ye  spectre-doubts,  that  roll 

Cimmerian  darkness  on  the  parting  soul ! 

Fly,  like  the  moon-eyed  herald  of  dismay, 


HOPE.  307 


Chased  on  his  night-steed  by  the  star  of  day ! 
The  strife  is  o'er — the  pangs  of  nature  close, 
And  life's  last  rapture  triumph's  o'er  her  woes. 
Hark !  as  the  spirit  eyes,  with  eagle  gaze, 
^he  noon  of  heaven  undazzled  by  the  blaze, 
On  heavenly  winds,  that  waft  her  to  the  sky, 
Float  the  sweet  tones  of  star- born  melody  ; 
Wild  as  that  hallow'd  anthem  sent  to  hail 
Bethlehem's  shepherds  in  the  lonely  vale, 
When  Jordan  hush'd  his  waves,  and  midnight  still 
Watched  on  the  holy  towers  of  Zion  hill ! 
Soul  of  the  just!  companion  of  the  dead! 
Where  is  thy  home,  and  whither  art  thou  fled? 
Back  to  its  heavenly  source  thy  being  goes, 
Swift  as  the  comet  wheels  to  whence  he  rose ; 
Doom'd  on  his  airy  path  awhile  to  bum, 
And  doom'd,  like  thee,  to  travel  and  return. 

Campbell. 

A  Heaven  as  bright,  as  blue,  as  mild,  as  calm, 

As  thine  own  eye  ;  the  sun  hath  passed  away, 

But  left  his  mantle  of  transparent  light 

To  deck  the  gorgeous  west,  amid  whose  bright 

And  purple  depths  I  see  a  floating  speck 

Of  purest  white,  and  now  't  is  fixed,  and  now 

Swells  into  clearest  beauty — 'tis  a  star, 

Whose  trembling  orb  seems  shrinking  from  the  light, 

Like  a  rebuked  seraph's  eye,  when  drooped 

'Neath  the  chastising  glance ;  a  bright  ray  shoots 

Up  from  its  centre ;  gradual  the  star 

Severs  before  that  ray,  it  parts — it  spreads — 

And  from  its  heart  comes  forth  a  gliding  form, 

Surpassing  all  my  mortal  thought  of  beauty : — 

'T  is  Hope  I  the  enduring  angel  lie  has  deigned 
To  send  upon  the  earth,  that  she  may  be 
Your  comforter,  that  when  despair  comes  down 
Upon  your  spirit,  ye  may  flee  to  her, 
And  in  her  cradling  arms  of  safest  rest 
Lay  down  your  wearied  heads  upon  her  heart, 
Till  your  own  souls  have  caught  the  light  of  hers ; 
'T  is  she,  whose  fervent  voice,  and  star-like  eye, 


308  HOPE. 


Shall  string  you  to  your  toil  of  wrestling  with 
The  care  of  being  ;  blessed  be  the  name 
Of  Him,  whose  mercy  hath  thus  given  ye 
A  beacon  to  your  path  ! 

Constantia  Louisa  Reddell. 

All  hope  on  earth  for  ever  fled, 

A  higher  hope  remaineth  ; 
For  while  His  wrath  is  o'er  me  shed, 

I  know  my  Saviour  reigneth. 
The  worm  may  waste  the  withering  clay, 

When  flesh  and  spirit  sever ; 
My  soul  shall  see  eternal  day, 

And  dwell  with  God  for  ever !  T.  Dale. 

She  lights  our  gloom,  she  soothes  our  care, 

She  bids  our  fears  depart, 
Transmutes  to  gems  each  grief-fraught  tear, 

And  binds  the  broken  heart ! 

She  glances  o'er  us  from  above, 

The  brightest  star  that 's  given, 
And  guides  us  still,  through  faith  and  love, 

To  endless  peace,  in  Heaven. 

Anna  Peyre  Dinnies. 

The  night  is  mother  of  the  day, 

The  winter  of  the  spring, 
And  ever,  upon  old  decay, 

The  greenest  mosses  cling. 
Behind  the  cloud  the  star-light  lurks, 

Through  showers  the  sunbeams  fall ; 
For  God,  who  loveth  all  His  works, 

Hath  left  His  Hope  with  all. 

/.  G.  Whittier. 

The  world  may  change  from  old  to  new, 

From  new  to  old  again  ; 
Yet  Hope  and  Heaven,  for  ever  true, 

Within  man's  heart  remain. 

The  dreams  that  bless  the  weary  soul, 

The  struggles  of  the  strong, 
Are  steps  towards  some  happy  goal, 

The  story  of  Hope's  song.        Sarah  Flowers  Adams. 


HOUSE.  309 


HOUSE. 

I  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go    Into  the  house  of 
the  Lord.— Psalm  exxii.  1. 

Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labour  in   vain  that  build  it. 
— Psalm  cxxvii.  1. 

It  is  better  to  go  to  the  house  of  mourning,  than  to  go  to  the  house 

of  feasting :  for  that  is  the  end  of  all  men  ;  and  the  living  will  lay  it 
to  his  heart.    Ecclesiastes,  vii.  2. 

Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also  in 
me. 

In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions  :  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would 
have  told  you.    I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.— John,  xiv.  1,  2. 

It  is  the  Sabbath  bell,  which  calls  to  pray'r, 
Ev'n  to  the  house  of  God,  the  hallo w'd  dome, 
Where  He  who  claims  it  bids  His  people  come 

To  bow  before  His  throne,  and  serve  him  there 

With  pray'rs,  and  thanks,  and  praises:  some  there  are 
Who  hold  it  meet  to  linger  now  at  home, 
And  some  o'er  fields  and  the  wide  hills  to  roam, 

And  worship  in  the  temple  of  the  air ! 

For  me,  not  heedless  of  the  lone  address, 
Nor  slack  to  greet  my  maker  on  the  height, 

By  wood,  or  living  stream  ;  yet  not  the  less 
Seek  I  His  presence  in  each  social  rite 

Of  His  own  temple :  that  He  deigns  to  bless, 
There  still  He  dwells,  and  there  is  His  delight. 

Bishop  Mant. 

If  in  the  family  thou  art  the  best, 
Pray  oft,  and  be  the  mouth  unto  the  rest ; 
Whom  God  hath  made  the  heads  of  families, 
He  hath  made  priests  to  offer  sacrifice. 
Daily  let  part  of  Holy  Writ  be  read, 
Let  as  the  body,  so  the  soul  have  bread ; 
For  look,  how  many  souls  in  thy  house  be, 
With  just  as  many  souls  God  trusteth  thee. 

Anonymous.      (1600.) 

If  to  the  house  of  God  below 

Thou  go'st  with  faith  and  holy  love ; 

Thy  soul,  released,  may  hope  to  go 

And  dwell  in  God's  own  house  above.         Egone. 


310  HUMILITY. 


HUMILITY. 

THE  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  instruction  of  wisdom  :  and  before 
honour  is  humility. — Proverbs,  xv.  '6'i. 

Better  is  it  to  be  of  an  humble  spirit  with  the  lowly,  than  to  divide 
the  spoil  with  the  proud.— Proverbs,  xvi.  19. 

By  humility,  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  are  riches,  and  honour,  and 
life. — Proverbs,  xxii.  4. 

A  mans  pride  shall  bring  Mm  low  :  but  honour  shall  uphold  the 
humble  in  spirit. — Proverbs,  xxix.  23. 

Whosoever  shall  exalt  himself  shall  be  abased  :  and  he  that  shall 
humble  himself  shall  be  exalted. — Matthew,  xxiii.  12. 

All  of  you  be  subject  one  to  another,  and  be  clothed  with  humility : 
for  God  resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace  to  the  humble. — L  Peter, 
v.  5. 

He  that  high,  growth  on  cedars  did  bestow, 
Gave  also  lowly  mushrooms  leave  to  grow. 
In  Haman's  pomp  poor  Mardocheous  wept, 

Yet  God  did  turn  his  fate  upon  his  foe : 
The  Lazar  pined  while  Dives'  feast  was  kept, 

Yet  he  to  Heaven,  to  hell  did  Dives  go. 
We  trample  grass,  and  prize  the  flowers  of  May, 
Yet  grass  is  green  when  flowers  do  fade  away. 

Robert  Southwell. 

Humble  we  must  be,  if  to  Heaven  we  go  ; 
High  is  the  roof  there,  but  the  gate  is  low : 
Whene'er  thou  speak'st  look  with  a  lowly  eye — 
Grace  is  increased  by  humility.  Robert  Her  rick. 

He  that  is  down  need  fear  no  fall ; 

He  that  is  low,  no  pride  ; 
He  that  is  humble  ever  shall 

Have  God  to  be  his  guide.  Bunyan. 

Humility  is  the  softening  shadow  before  the  statue  of 

excellence, 
And  lieth  lowly  on  the  ground  beloved  and  lovely  as 

the  violet: 
Humility  is  the  fair-haired  maid  that  calleth  worth  her 

brother, 
The  gentle,  silent  nurse,  that  fostereth  infant  virtues : 
As  when  the  blind  man  is  nigh  unto  a  rose  its  sweetness 

is  herald  of  its  beauty. 
So,  when  thou  savourest  humility,  be  sure  thou  art  nigh 

unto  merit.  Tupper. 


HUMILITY.  311 

When  Mary  chose  the  "better  part," 

She  meekly  sat  at  Jesus'  feet ! 
And  Lydia's  gently-opened  heart, 

W;is  made  for  God's  own  temple  meet : 
Fairest  and  best  adorned  is  she, 
Whose  clothing  is  humility. 

The  saint  that  wears  heaven's  brightest  crown. 

In  deepest  adoration  bends  ; 
The  weight  of  glory  bows  him  down, 

Then  most,  when  most  the  soul  ascends  : 
Nearest  the  throne  itself  must  be 
The  footstool  of  humility.         James   Montgomery. 


Pride,  with  haughty  port,  defies  in  vain 
The  force  of  rough  adversity,  which  rends 
With  double  violence  the  stubborn  heart. 
But,  like  a  tender  plant,  Humility 
Bends  low  before  the  threat'ning  blast  unhurt. 
Eludes  its  rage,  and  lives  through  all  the  storm. 
Pride  is  the  livery  of  the  prince  of  darkness, 
Worn  by  his  slaves,  who  glory  in  their  shame  ; 
A  gaudy  dress,  but  tarnish'd,  rent  and  foul, 
And  loathsome  to  the  holy  eye  of  heaven. 
But  sweet  humility,  a  shining  robe, 
Bestowed  by  heaven  upon  its  favourite  sons  ; 
The  robe  which  God  approves  and  angels  wear  — 
Fair  semblance  of  the  glorious  Prince  of  Light, 
Who  stoop'd  to  dwell  (divine  humility  !) 
With  sinful  worms,  and  poverty,  and  scorn. 
Pride  leads  her  wretched  votaries  to  contempt, 
To  certain  ruin,  infamy,  and  death. 
But  sweet  humility  points  out  the  way 
To  happiness,  and  life,  and  lasting  honours. 
Humility  how  glorious!   how  divine  ! 
Thus  clothed,  and  thus  enrich'd,  O  may  I  shine ; 
Be  mine  this  treasure,  this  celestial  robe, 
And  let  the  sons  of  pride  possess  the  globe. 

Mrs.  Steele. 


312 


HYMN. 

And  when  they  had  sung  an  hymn,  they  went  out  into  the  Mount 
of  Olives. — Matthew,  xxvi.  30. 


Whose  business  was  to  serve  their  Lord, 
High  up  in  heav'n  with  songs  to  hymn  His  throne. 
#  *  #  *    '        *  # 

They  touched  their  golden  harps,  and  hymning  praised 
God  and  His  works.  Milton. 

Then,  kneeling  down,  to  Heaven's  Eternal  King 
The  saint,  the  father,  and  the  husband  prays : 
Hope  "  springs  exulting  on  triumphant  wing," 
That  thus  they  all  shall  meet  in  future  days  : 
There  ever  bask  in  uncreated  rays, 
No  more  to  sigh,  or  shed  the  bitter  tear ; 
Together  hymning  their  Creator's  praise, 
In  such  society  yet  still  more  dear, 
When  circling  time  moves  round,  in  an  eternal  sphere. 

Burns. 

They  chant  their  artless  notes  in  simple  guise ; 
They  tune  their  hearts,  by  far  the  noblest  aim : 
Perhaps  "Dundee's"  wild  warbling  measures  rise. 
Or  plaintive  "Martyrs, "  worthy  of  the  name ; 
Or  noble  "Elgin"  feeds  the  heav'n-ward  flame. 
The  sweetest  far  of  Scotia's  holy  lays : 
Compared  with  these,  Italian  trills  are  tame  ; 
The  tickl'd  ear  no  heart-felt  raptures  raise  : 
Nae  unison  hae  they  with  our  Creator's  praise. 

Burns. 

There  is  no  gloom  on  earth,  for  God  above 

Chastens  in  love : 
Transmuting  sorrow  into  golden  joy, 

Free  from  alloy. 
His  dearest  attribute  is  still  to  bless, 
And  man's  most  welcome  hymn  is  grateful  cheerfulness. 

Horace  Smith. 

Celestial  voices 
Hymn  it  unto  our  souls. 

It.  H.  Dana. 


HYPOCRISY.  313 


HYPOCRISY. 

TllK  hypocrite's  hope  shall  perish.— Job,  viii.  13. 

The  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  short,  and  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite 
but  for  a  moment. — Job,  x.\.  •">. 

For  the  vile  person  will  speak  villany,  and  his  heart  will  work 
iniquity,  to  practise  hypocrisy,  and  to  utter  error  against  the  Lord.— 
Isaiah,  xxxii.  6. 

When  thou  doest  thine  alms,  do  not  sound  a  trumpet  before  thee 
as  the  hypocrites  do  in  the  synagogues  and  in  the  streets,  that  they 
may  have  glory  of  men. 

When  thou  prayest,  thou  shalt  not  be  as  the  hypocrites  are ;  for 
they  love  to  pray  standing  in  the  synagogues  and  in  the  corners  of 
the  streets,  that  they  may  be  seen  of  men.  Verily  I  say  unto  you. 
They  have  their  reward.     Matthew,  vi.  2,  5. 


So  smooth  he  daubed  his  life  with  show  of  virtue, 

He  lived  from  all  attainder  of  suspect.  Shahspere. 

Hypocrisy,  detest  her  as  we  may, 

(And  no  man's  hatred  ever  wronged  her  yet) 

May  claim  this  merit  still,  that  she  admits 

The  worth  of  what  she  mimics  with  such  care, 

And  thus  gives  virtue  indirect  applause.  Cowper. 

Great  day  of  revelation !  in  the  grave 
The  hypocrite  had  left  his  mask,  and  stood 
In  naked  ugliness.     He  was  a  man 
Who  stole  the  livery  of  the  court  of  heaven 
To  serve  the  devil  in ;  in  virtue's  guise, 
Devoured  the  widow's  house  and  orphan's  bread  ; 
In  holy  phrase,  transacted  villanies 
That  common  sinners  durst  not  meddle  with ; 
At  sacred  feast,  he  sat  among  the  saints, 
And  with  his  guilty  hands  touched  holiest  things  ; 
And  none  of  sin  lamented  more,  or  sighed 
More  deeply,  or  with  graver  countenance, 
Or  longer  prayer,  wept  o'er  the  dying  man 
Whose  infant  children,  at  the  moment,  he 
Planned  how  to  rob. 

Seest  thou  the  man, 
A  serpent  with  an  angel's  voice  !  a  grave 
With  flowers  bestrewed !  Pollok. 


314  HYPOCRISY. 


I  do  the  wrong,  and  first  begin  to  brawl, 

The  secret  mischiefs  that  I  set  abroach, 

I  la}'  unto  the  grievous  charge  of  others. 

But  then  I  sigh,  and  with  a  piece  of  scripture 

Tell  them — that  God  bids  us  do  good  for  evil. 

And  thus  I  clothe  my  naked  villany, 

With  old,  odd  ends,  stol'n  forth  of  Holy  Writ. 

Shakspere. 

Wo  to  ye  Hypocrites  !  ye  insincere, 

Who  shut  the  gates  of  heaven  against  mankind. 

And  yet  yourselves  will  never  enter  there — 

Wo  to  ye  Hypocrites  !  your  hearts  are  blind  ; 

The  houses  of  the  widow  ye  devour, 

And  make  long  prayers,  devotion  ill-designed. 

The  matters  of  the  Law  of  gravest  power — 

Omit  ye  ; — Judgment — Mercy — Faith !  and  dole 

The  petty  tithe  of  your  external  dower : 

Not  those  omit, — nor  these  ;  but  pay  the  whole  ! 

As  righteous  men  ye  do  without  appear. 

Within  iniquity  usurps  the  soul : 

Ye  are  e'en  like  a  whited  Sepulchre, 

Beautiful  outward,  hiding  dead  men's  bones  ; 

Uncleanness  and  corruption,  everywhere. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

Like  the  detested  tribe 
Of  ancient  Pharisees,  beneath  the  mask 
Of  clamorous  piety,  what  numbers  veil 
Contaminated,  vicious  hearts  !     How  many 
In  the  devoted  temple  of  their  God, 
With  hypocritic  eye,  from  which  the  tear 
Of  penetential  anguish  seems  to  flow, 
Pour  forth  their  vows,  and  by  affected  zeal 
Pre-eminent  devotion  boast ;  while  vice 
Within  the  guilty  breast,  rankles  unseen. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

These  are  they 
That  prey  upon  the  widow,  and  devour 
The  orphan's  portion,  mocking  Heaven  with  prayers 
Ceaseless,  and  fasts,  which  will  but  more  incense 
His  anger,  and  bring  down  worse  chastisement. 

Charles   Peers. 


IDOLATRY.  315 


IDOLATRY. 

BEBBLLION  is  as  the  Bill  of  witchcraft,  aud  stubbornness  is  as  iniquity 
and  idolatry.    I.  Samuel,  xv.  ■_>:;. 

What  agreeuient  hatli  the  temple  of  God  with  idols/ — II.  Corinthians, 
vi.  16. 

Covetonsness,  which  is  idolatry. — Colossians,  iii.  5. 

The  sparkling  flames,  that  burn  in  beaten  gold, 

And,  like  the  stars  of  heav'n  in  midst  of  night, 
Black  Egypt,  as  her  mirrors  doth  behold ; 
Are  but  the  dens  where  idol  snakes  delight 
Again  to  cover  Satan  from  their  sight : 
Yet  these  are  all  their  gods ;  with  whom  they  vie, 
The  crocodile,  the  cock,  the  rat,  the  fly  : 
Fit  gods  indeed,  for  such  men  to  be  served  by. 

Giles  Fletcher. 
Hear,  Father !  hear  and  aid  ! 
If  I  have  loved  too  well,  if  I  have  shed, 
♦  In  my  vain  fondness,  o'er  a  mortal  head 
Gifts,  on  Thy  shrine,  my  God,  more  fitly  laid ; 
If  I  have  sought  to  live 
But  in  one  light,  and  made  a  mortal  eye 
The  lonely  star  of  my  idolatry, 
Thou  that  art  Love,  oh  !  pity  and  forgive ! 

Mrs.  He  mans. 

City  of  ido  l-\  em  pies,  and  of  shrines 

Where  folly  kneels  to  falsehood — how  the  pride 

Of  our  humanity  is  here  rebuked ! 

Man,  that  aspires  to  rule  the  very  wind, 

And  make  the  sea  confess  his  majesty  ; 

Whose  intellect  can  fill  a  little  scroll 

With  words  that  are  immortal :  who  can  build 

Cities,  the  mighty  and  the  beautiful : 

Yet  man, — this  glorious  creature, — can  debase 

His  spirit  down,  to  worship  wood  and  stone, 

And  hold  the  very  beasts  which  bear  his  yoke, 

And  tremble  at  his  eye,  for  sacred  things. 

With  what  unutterable  humility 

We  should  bow  down,  thou  blessed  Cross,  to  thee. 

Seeing  our  vanity  and  foolishness, 

When,  to  our  own  devices  left,  we  frame 

A  shameful  creed  of  craft  and  cruelty.  L.  E.  L. 


316  IDOLATRY. 


If,  when  the  Lord  of  Glory  was  in  sight, 

Thou  turn  thy  back  upon  that  fountain  clear, 
To  bow  before  the  "  little  drop  of  light" 

Which  dim-eyed  men  call  praise  and  glory  here : 
What  dost  thou,  but  adore  the  sun,  and  scorn 
Him  at  whose  only  word  both  sun  and  stars  were  born  ? 
If  while  around  the  gales  from  Eden  breathe, 

Thou  hide  thine  eyes,  to  make  thy  peevish  moan 
Over  some  broken  reed  of  earth  beneath, 

Some  darling  of  blind  fancy,  dead  and  gone, 
As  wisely  might'st  thou  in  Jehovah's  fane 
Offer  thy  love  and  tears  to  Thammuz  slain. 
Turn  thee  from  these,  or  dare  not  to  inquire 

Of  Him  whose  name  is  Jealous,  lest  in  wrath, 
He  hear  and  answer  thine  unblest  desire  : 

Far  better  we  should  cross  His  lightning's  path, 
Than  be  according  to  our  idols  heard, 
And  God  should  take  us  at  our  vain  word.  Keble. 

Before  the  ^oZ-monster  was  the  blood 

Of  man  poured  out  by  man.     No  mother  there 

Blessed  the  fair  skies  which  smiled  upon  her  babe, 

But  hastened  rather,  with  unnatural  hand, 

To  crush  the  unfolding  life,  and  turn  aside 

The  dark  inheritance  of  woe  and  pain, 

Ere  yet  the  unconscious  victim  owned  its  doom. 

A.  Alexander. 
And  still  from  Him  we  turn  away, 

And  fill  our  hearts  with  worthless  things ; 
The  fires  of  avarice  melt  the  clay, 

And  forth  the  idol  springs! 
Ambition's  flame,  and  passion's  heat, 
By  wondrous  alchemy  transmute 
Earth's  dross,  to  raise  some  gilded  brute 
To  fill  Jehovah's  seat.  J.  H.  Clinch. 

Idol- worshippers  are  we, 

Bowing  evermore  heart  and  knee 

Unto  stone  and  unto  stock  ; 

Thus  the  living  God  we  mock. 

Who  shall  say  his  heart  is  free 

From  this  foul  idolatry  ?  Egone. 


317 


IMAGE. 


BO  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  Vbeimagi  oi   'Jul  created 
he  him;  male  and  female  created  he  them     Qenesis,  i.  ".'7. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  OX  any  HVwrraaa 

of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath, 
or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth  : 

Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself   to  them,  nor  serve  them  :   for  I 
the  l."rd  thy  God  am  a  jealous  Cod.  -Exodus,  xx.  4.  ".. 

Aa  we  have  borne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the 
image  of  the  heavenly.  —I.  Corinthians,  xv.  4!>. 

Foe  what  had  all  this  all,  which  man  in  one, 
Did  not  unite ;  the  earth,  air,  water,  fire, 

Life,  sense,  and  spirit ;  nay,  the  pow'rful  throne 
Of  the  Divinest  Essence  did  retire  ; 
And  his  own  Image  into  clay  inspire  ; 

So  that  this  creature  well  might  called  be, 

Of  the  great  world  the  small  epitome ; 

Of  the  dead  world,  the  life,  and  small  anatome. 

Giles   Fletcher. 

Thou  man  Thy  image  mad'st,  in  dignity, 

In  knowledge  and  in  beauty  like  to  Thee ; 

Placed  in  a  heaven  on  earth ;  without  his  toil, 

The  ever  flourishing  and  fruitful  soil 

Unpurchased  food  produced  ;  all  creatures  were 

His  subjects,  serving  more  for  love  than  fear. 

Sandys. 

He  made  us  to  His  image  all  agree  ; 

That  image  is  the  soul,  and  that  must  be, 

Or  not  the  Maker's  image,  or  be  free.  Dryden. 

Outcasts  of  mortal  race !  can  we  conceive 

Image  of  aught  delightful,  soft,  or  great.  Prior. 

Poor  man !     How  happy  once  in  thy  first  state ! 
When  yet  but  warm  from  thy  great  Maker's  hand, 
He  stamped  thee  with  His  image,  and  well  pleased, 
Smiled  on  his  last  fair  work  !  Blair. 

God  spake  :  He  look'd  on  earth  and  heaven 

With  mild  and  generous  eye  ; 
In  his  own  image  man  he  made, 

And  gave  him  dignity.  Krummachtr. 


318  IMMORTALITY. 


IMMORTALITY. 

To  them  who  by  patient  continuance  in  well  doing  seek  for  glory 
and  honour  and  immortality,  eternal  life. — Romans,  ii.  7. 

This  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must 
put  on  immortality. — I.  Corinthians,  xv.  53. 

Our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  abolished  death,  and  hath 
brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  through  the  gospel. — II.  Timothy, 
i.  10. 

Immortal  honour,  endless  fame 
Attend  the  Almighty  Father's  name. 


Dryd 


tu. 


Thy  nature,  immortality  !  who  knows  ? 
And  yet  who  knows  it  not  ?     It  is  but  life 
In  stronger  thread  of  brighter  colour  spun, 
And  spun  for  ever,  dipt  by  cruel  fate 
In  Stygian  die,  how  black,  how  brittle  here ! 
How  short  our  correspondence  with  the  sun ! 
And  while  it  lasts,  Inglorious  !     Our  best  deeds, 
How  wanting  in  their  weight !    our  highest  joys, 
Small  cordials  to  support  us  in  our  pain, 
And  give  us  strength  to  suffer.     But  how  great 
To  mingle  interests,  converse,  amities, 
With  all  the  sons  of  reason,  scatter'd  wide 
Through  habitable  space,  wherever  born, 
Howe'er  endowed !     To  live  free  citizens 
Of  universal  nature!     To  lay  hold 
By  more  than  feeble  faith  on  the  Supreme ! 
To  call  heaven's  rich  unfathomable  mines 
(Mines,  which  support  archangels  in  their  state.) 
Our  own !     To  rise  in  science  as  in  bliss, 
Initiate  in  the  secrets  of  the  skies ! 
To  read  creation  ;  read  its  mighty  plan 
In  the  bare  bosom  of  the  Deity ! 
The  plan,  and  execution,  to  collate  ! 
To  see,  before  each  glance  of  piercing  thought, 
All  cloud,  all  shadow  blown  remote;  and  lea^e 
No  mystery — but  that  of  love  divine, 
Which  lifts  us  on  the  Seraph's  naming  wing, 
From  earth's  aceldama,  this  field  of  blood. 
Of  inward  anguish,  and  of  outward  ill, 
From  darkness,  and  from  dust,  to  such  a  scene ! 


IMMORTALITY.  319 


Love's  element !     True  joy's  illustrious  house  ! 
From  earth's  sad  contrast  (now  deplor'd)  more  fair ! 
What  exquisite  vicissitude  of  fate! 
Blest  absolution  of  our  blackest  hour!  Young. 

Man's  soul  immortal  is ;  whilst  here  they  live, 

The  purest  minds  for  perfect  knowledge  strive ; 

Which  is  the  knowledge  of  that  glorious  God, 

From  whom  all  life  proceeds  :  in  this  abode 

Of  flesh,  the  soul  can  never  reach  so  high, 

So  reason  tells  us.     If  the  soul  then  die, 

When  from  the  body's  bonds  she  takes  her  flight. 

Her  unfulfilled  desire  is  frustrate  quite, 

And  so  bestowed  in  vain !     It  follows  then, 

The  best  desires,  unto  the  best  of  men, 

The  Great  Creator  did  in  vain  dispense, 

Or  else  the  soul  must  live  when  gone  from  hence. 

And  if  it  live  after  the  body  fall, 

Wha't  reason  proves  that  it  must  die  at  all? 

Thomas  May. 

Strong  as  the  death  it  masters,  is  the  hope 

That  onward  looks  to  immortality  : 

Let  the  frame  perish,  so  the  soul  survive, 

Pure,  spiritual,  and  loving.     I  believe 

The  grave  exalts,  not  separates,  the  ties 

That  hold  us  in  affection  to  our  kind. 

I  will  look  down  from  yonder  pitying  sky, 

Watching  and  waiting  those  I  loved  on  earth ; 

Anxious  in  heaven,  until  they,  too,  are  there. 

I  will  attend  your  guardian  angel's  side 

And  weep  away  your  faults  with  holy  tears  : 

Your  midnight  shall  be  filled  with  solemn  thought ; 

And  when,  at  length,  death  brings  you  to  my  love. 

Mine  the  first  welcome  heard  in  Paradise.  Anon. 


The  6un  is  but  a  spark  of  fire, — 
A  transient  meteor  in  the  sky  : 
The  soul,  immortal  as  its  Sire, 
Shall  never  die  ! 

J.  Montgomery, 


320  IMMORTALITY. 


Prisoners  of  hope  !  heirs  of  eternity  ! 
Waiting  for  the  consummate  day,  when  time 

Shall  be  no  more — Why  on  the  past  dwell  ye  ? 
Prisoners  of  hope  !  look  to  the  goal  sublime 

Of  the  expanded  future,  and  behold 
The  flesh  redeemed  to  its  immortal  prime. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

Yet  know,  vain  sceptics,  know  the  Almighty  mind, 
Who  breathed  on  man  a  portion  of  His  fire, 

Bade  his  free  soul,  by  earth  nor  time  confined, 
To  Heaven,  to  immortality  aspire. 

JNor  shall  the  pile  of  hope  His  mercy  reared, 

By  vain  philosophy  be  e'er  destroyed : 
Eternity,  by  all  or  wished  or  feared, 

Shall  be,  by  all,  or  suffered,  or  enjoyed. 

William  Mason. 

Whoe'er  thou  art,  this  truth  take  home, — and  think 

Two  spirits  only  for  thy  soul  contend, — 

The  good  and  bad  ;  but  now  alone  is  grace 

Imparted  ;  soon  thy  final  sands  will  fall, 

And  thou  in  moral  nakedness  shalt  be 

To  Devil  or  to  Deity  assign'd 

Through  endless  ages ! — Oh,  that  truth  immense, 

This  mortal,  immortality  shall  wear! 

The  pulse  of  mind  can  never  cease  to  play ; 

By  God  awaken'd,  it  for  ever  throbs, 

Eternal  as  His  own  eternity ! 

Above  the  angels,  or  below  the  fiends  : 

To  mount  in  glory,  or  in  shame  descend — 

Mankind  are  destined  by  resistless  doom. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Beyond  the  purple  verge  of  infinite  space, 
The  immortal  soul  of  man  shall  live  again ; 
Live  where  its  glories  never  more  may  wane, 
And  where  its  nobler  memories  will  efface 
All  thoughts  which  rend  the  solemn'  pall  away 
That  shrouds  the  meanness  of  its  primal  clay. 

H.  B.  Hirst. 


INSPIRATION.  321 


INSPIRATION. 

THKRI  is  a  spirit   in  man:   and   tin-  bupiratkm   of  the   Almighty 
them  understanding. — Job,  xxxii.  8. 

All  -cripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God.— II.  Timothy,  hi.  l»i. 

O  Thou  bless'd  Spirit  :  whether  the  Supreme 

Great  ante-muudaue  Father  ;  in  whose  breast 

Embryo  creation,  unborn  being,  dwelt, 

And  all  its  various  revolutions  rolled, 

Present  though  future  ;  prior  to  themselves ; 

Whose  breath  can  blow  it  into  naught  again, 

Or  from  His  throne  some  delegated  power, 

Who  studious  of  our  peace,  dost  turn  the  thought 

From  vain  and  vile  to  solid  and  sublime ! 

Unseen  Thou  lead'st  me  to  delicious  draughts 

Of  Inspiration,  from  a  purer  stream, 

And  fuller  of  the  God,  than  that  which  burst 

From  famed  Castalia.  Young. 

We  to  his  high  inspiration  owe 

That  what  ^  as  done  before  the  flood  we  know. 

Denlam. 
How  precious  is  the  book  divine 

By  inspiration  ijiven! 
Bright  as  a  lamp  its  doctrines  shine 
To  guide  our  souls  to  heaven. 

It  sweetly  cheers  our  drooping  hearts 

In  this  dark  vale  of  tears  ; 
Life,  light,  and  joy  it  still  imparts, 

And  quells  our  rising  fears. 

This  lamp  through  all  the  tedious  night 

Of  life  shall  guide  our  way. 
Till  we  behold  the  clearer  light 

Of  an  eternal  day.  Fawcett . 

On  the  paije  of  inspiration 
Lo !  the  pro  ni<e  of  salvation; 
May  I  earnestly  inquire, 
May  the  Lord  my  soul  inspirt 

With  the  love  of  truth  divine, 

So  to  make  that  promise  mine.  Egone. 

•  Y 


INSTRUCTION. 


INSTRUCTION. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  knowledge:  but  fool? 
despise  wisdom  and  instruction. 

My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father. — Proverbs,  i.  7,  8. 

Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise,  and  refuse  it  not.— Proverbs,  viii.  33. 

He  that  refuseth  instruction  despiseth  his  own  soul.—  Proverbs, 
xv.  32. 

And  chiefly  Thou,  O  Spirit  that  dost  prefer 

Before  all  temples,  the  upright  heart  and  pure, 

Instruct  me,  for  Thou  knovrest :  Thou  from  the  first 

Wast  present,  and  with  mighty  wings  outspread 

Dove-like  sat'st  brooding  on  the  vast  abyss. 

And  mad'st  it  pregnant.     What  in  me  is  dark, 

Illumine ;  what  is  low,  raise  and  support ; 

That  to  the  height  of  this  great  argument 

I  may  assert  eternal  Providence, 

And  justify  the  ways  of  God  to  men.  Milton. 

From  heaven  descend  the  drops  of  dew. 

From  heaven  the  gracious  showers, 
Earth's  winter  aspect  to  renew, 

And  clothe  the  spring  with  flowers  ; 
From  heaven  the  beams  of  morning  flow, 

That  melt  the  gloom  of  night, 
From  heaven  the  evening  breezes  blow 

Health,  fragrance,  and  delight. 

Like  genial  dew,  like  fertile  showers, 

The  words  of  wisdom  fall, 
Awaken  man's  unconscious  powers, 

Strength  out  of  weakness  call; 
Like  morning  beams  they  strike  the  mind, 

In  loveliness  reveal ; 
And  softer  than  the  evening  wind, 

The  wounded  spirit  heal. 

As  dew  and  rain,  as  light  and  air, 

From  heaven  Instruction  came, 
The  waste  of  nature  to  repair, 

And  kindle  sacred  flame, 
A  flame  to  purify  the  earth, 

Exalt  her  sons  on  high, 
And  train  them  for  their  second  birth — 

Their  birth  beyond  the  sky.         J.  Montgomery. 


INTERCESSION.  323 


INTERCESSION. 

HE  bare  the  sin  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the  transgressors. 
— Isaiah,  liii.  12. 

It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  i>  risen  again,  who  is  even 
at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also  niaketh  intercession  for  u<. — 
Romans,  viii.  34. 

Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come 
unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  mteroanon  for  them. 
— Hebrews,  vii.  25. 

Why  gaze  the  clustered  stars  on  Hermon's  height  ? 

Immensity  around — why  gaze  they  there  ? 

On  its  high  top,  as  farthest  up  from  earth, 

Enshrined  in  darkness  and  alone,  there  kneels 

The  world's  great  Intercessor.     Evening  came, 

And  found  Him  kneeling  there  :  the  rising  morn 

Lingered  awhile  upon  His  upturned  brow  ; 

And  night  passed  over  Him,  and  still  he  kneels  ; 

Till  all  the  air  is  incense  and  a  prayer, 

As  He  would  save  the  world  by  prayer  alone, 

Close  clasping  the  eternal  throne, — His  voice, 

Unheard  below,  was  heard  in  heaven  intent.  Anon. 

With  blood — but  not  his  own — the  Jew  drew  near 

The  mercy-seat,  and  heaven  received  his  prayer. 
Yet  still  his  hope  was  dimmed  by  doubt  and  fear : 

"If  Thou  should'st  mark  transgression,  who  might 
dare 

To  stand  before  Thee  ?"     Mercy  loves  to  spare 
And  pardon,  but  stern  Justice  has  a  voice, 

And  cries — Our  God  is  holy,  nor  can  bear 
Uncleanness  in  the  people  of  His  choice. 
But  now  One  Offering,  ne'er  to  be  renewed, 

Hath  made  our  peace  for  ever.     This  now  gives 
Free  access  to  the  Throne  of  Heavenly  Grace, 

No  more  base  fear  and  dark  disquietude, 
He  who  was  slain — the  Accepted  Victim  ! — lives, 

And  intercedes  before  the  Father'?  face.  Conder. 

Lord !  there  is  a  throne  of  grace  ; 

There  we  now  would  seek  Thy  face ; 

Thou  wilt  hear  the  humblest  prayer 

Of  the  soul  that  seeks  Thee  there. 

Saviour,  for  us  intercede, 

While  the  promises  we  plead  !  Cobbin. 


324  ISRAEL. 


ISEAEL. 

AND  he  said  unto  him,  What  is  thy  name?     And  he  said,  Jacob. 

And  he  said,  Thy  name  shall  be  called  no  more  Jacob,  but  Israel: 
for  as  a  prince  hast  thou  power  with  G-od  and  with  men,  and  hast 
prevailed. — Genesis,  xxxii.  27.  28. 

Truly  God  is  good  to  Israel.— Psalm  lxxiii.  1. 

He  that  keepeth  Israel  shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. — Psalm 
cxxi.  4. 

For  the  Lord  will  have  mercy  on  Jacob,  and  will  yet  choose  Israel, 
and  set  them  in  their  own  land.— Isaiah,  xiv.  1. 

Whilst  Pharoah's  pride  withstood, 
His  pools  turned  poison,  and  his  Nile  ran  blood, 
From  whose  corrupting  channel,  moist  and  warm, 
Leaped  forth  the  frogs,  a  foul,  offensive  swarm ; 
No  place  was  sheltered  from  their  loathsome  tread, 
The  festive  banquet,  nor  the  bridal  bed. 
Anon,  destructive  sweeps  the  burning  hail, 
His  trees  stand  branchless,  and  his  furrows  fail ; 
Whilst  from  the  East,  devouring  locusts  rise, 
To  spoil  the  pittance  spared  him  by  the  skies. 
But  why  on  each  particular  token  dwell 
Of  God's  deep  wrath,  or  all  His  judgments  tell? 
Enough  to  add.  that  Israel's  thraldom  ceased, 
From  Pharaoh's  stubborn  hand,  by  him  released. 

William  Gibson. 
Backsliding  Israel,  hear  the  voice 

Of  thy  forgiving  God  ; 
Nor  force  such  goodness  to  exert 
The  terrors  of  the  rod. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord — "My  mercy  flows, 

An  unexhausted  stream; 
And  after  all  its  millions  saved, 

Its  sway  is  still  supreme." 

Own  but  the  follies  thou  hast  done, 

And  mourn  thy  sins  in  dust, 
And  soon  thy  trembling  heart  shall  learn 

To  hope,  and  love,  and  trust.  Doddridge. 

The  day  of  Freedom   dawns  ;    rise,    Israel,  from  thy 
tomb.  Croly. 


JEHOVAH.  325 


JEHOVAH. 

AND  God  spake  nnto  Moses,  and  said  onto  him,  I  am  the  Lord: 

And  I  appeared  nnto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  by  the 
name  of  God  Almighty,  but  by  my  name  J  BHOYAH  was  I  known  to 
them.— Exodus,  vi.  "2,  3. 

That  men  may  know  that  thou,  whose  name  is  JEHOVAH,  art  the  most 
high  over  all  the  earth. — Psalm  lxxxiii.  18. 

Behold,  God  is  my  salvation ;  I  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid  :  for 
the  Lord  Jehovah  is  my  strength  and  my  song ;  he  also  is  become  my 
salvation.— Isaiah,  xii.  2. 


Tell  mankind  Jehovah  reigns  ; 
He  shall  bind  the  world  in  chains, 
So  as  it  shall  never  slide, 
And  with  sacred  justice  guide. 
Let  the  smiling  heavens  rejoice, 
Joyful  earth  exalt  her  voice  : 
Let  the  dancing  billows  roar, 
Echoes  answer  from  the  shore, 
Fields  their  flowery  mantles  shake, 
All  shall  in  their  joy  partake  ; 
While  the  wood-musicians  sing 
To  the  ever-youthful  spring. 
Fill  His  courts  with  sacred  mirth. 
He,  He  comes  to  judge  the  earth. 
Justly  He  the  world  shall  sway, 
And  His  truth  to  men  display. 

Dr.  Henry  More. 

Before  Jehovah's  awful  throne, 

Ye  nations  bow  with  sacred  joy  ; 
Know  that  the  Lord  is  God  alone, 

He  can  create,  and  He  destroy. 

His  sovereign  power,  without  our  aid, 
Made  us  of  clay,  and  formed  us  men ; 

And  when  like  wand'ring  sheep  we  stray'd, 
He  brought  us  to  His  fold  again. 

We'll  crowd  His  gates  with  thankful  songs, 
High  as  the  heavens  our  voices  raise, 

And  earth,  with  her  ten  thousand  tongues, 
Shall  find  thy  courts  with  sounding  praise. 

Watts. 


JEHOVAH. 


Ascribe,  ye  mighty,  to  Jehovah,  might 
And  glory,  victor  o'er  his  enemies — 
Give  to  Jehovah  glory  in  the  height, 
The  glory  due  unto  His  name!     Adore 
Him  in  the  beauty  of  Holiness  aright ! 

Thy  voice,  Jehovah  I  on  the  waters  hoar 

Careers  ;  the  G-od  of  glory  thundereth  ; 

Jehovah  speaks  where  many  waters  roar — 

Thy  voice,  Jehovah  !  is  more  strong  than  death — 

Thy  powerful  voice  is  full  of  majesty  ; 

Thy  voice  o'erthrows  the  cedar  with  its  breath. 

And  Lebanon  and  Sirion  before  Thee 

Skip  like  a  calf,  and  like  a  unicorn, 

In  youth  transcilient,  and  by  nature  free, — 

Thy  voice  Jehovah  !  shakes  the  desert  lorn ; 

Jehovah  shakes  the  wilderness  ;  His  voice 

M aketh  the  hinds  to  calve,  the  forest-born. 

Within  His  temple  shall  His  sons  rejoice, 

And  all  declare  His  glory.     On  the  sea 

He  sitteth — hushed  is  its  tempestuous  noise — 

Behold  Jehovah  sitteth  royally 

Upon  the  calmed  flood,  eternal  Lord  : 

And  strength  unto  His  people  giveth  He, 

And  them  with  peace  and  blessing  hath  restored. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

The  name  of  Jehovah  defend  thee ! 
For  He  from  His  dwelling  above, 
Shall  hear  thee  in  trouble,  and  send  thee 
The  might  of  His  covenant  love. 
,  His  rod  of  dread  powers 

Shall  bind  with  sweet  flowers, 
In  the  ark  of  His  covenant  love. 

Then  kneel  ;  for  the  prayer  of  the  lowly 

As  incense,  all  odour  shall  be, 
In  the  cloud  of  the  holocaust  holy, 
That  pleads  in  His  presence  for  thee. 
His  word,  like  strong  mountains, 
Still  shed  forth  the  fountains 
Of  strength  from  His  presence  for  thee. 

Waring. 


JERUSALEM.  327 


JERUSALEM. 

.Jerusalkm  is  builded  as  a  city  that  is  compact  together.  -Psalm 
rxxii.  t. 

o  Jenuak  < .  Jerusalem,  thou  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stoneet 

them  wliich  are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  1  have  gathered 
tlij  children  together,  even  ae  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under 
her  wings,  and  ye  would  not! 

Behold,  your  house  is  left  unto  you  dee  date,     Matthew,  xxiii.  37,  38. 

Jermmlem  shall  be  trodden  down  of  the  Gentiles,  until  the  time  of 
the  Gentiles  be  fulfilled.— Luke.  xxi.  24 

lint  ye  are  come  unto  Mount  Sion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living 
God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of 
angels.— Hebrews,  xii.  •->'.?. 

Jerusalem,  that  place  divine, 

The  vision  of  sweet  peace  is  named. 
In  heaven  her  glorious  turrets  shine, 
Her  walls  of  living  stones  are  framed  ; 
While  angels  guard  her  on  each  side, 
Fit  company  for  such  a  bride. 

She.  decked  in  new  attire,  from  heaven. 
Her  wedding-chamber,  now  descends. 
Prepared  in  marriage  to  be  given 

To  Christ,  on  whom  her  joy  depends. 
Her  walls  wherewith  she  is  enclosed, 
And  streets  are  of  pure  gold  composed. 

The  gates  adorn'd  with  pearls  most  bright. 

The  way  to  hidden  glory  show, 
And  thither  by  the  blessed  might 
Of  faith  in  Jesus'  merits  go 

All  those  who  are  on  earth  distress'd, 
Because  they  have  Christ's  name  profess'd. 

These  stones  the  workmen  dress  and  beat, 

Before  they  throughly  polish'd  are, 
Then  each  in  his  own  proper  seat, 
Established  by  the  builder's  care, 
In  this  fair  frame  to  staud  for  ever, 
So  join'd,  that  them  no  power  can  sever. 

Drumimond. 

The  signs  are  full,  and  never  shall  the  sun 
Shine  on  the  cedar  roofs  of  Salem  more  ; 
Her  tale  of  splendour  now  is  done ; 


328  JERUSALEM. 


Her  wine- cup  of  festivity  is  spilt, 
And  all  is  o'er — her  grandeur  and  her  guilt. 

Oh,  fair  and  favoured  city,  where  of  old, 
The  balmy  airs  were  rich  with  melody, 
That  led  her  pomp  beneath  the  cloudless  sky 

In  vestments  flaming  with  the  orient  gold; 
Her  gold  is  dim,  and  mute  her  music's  voice, 
The  heathen  o'er  her  perish'd  pomp  rejoice  ! 

How  stately  then  was  every  palm-deck'd  street 

Down  which  the  maidens  danced  with  tinkling  feet ! 
How  proud  the  elders  in  the  lofty  gate ! 

How  crowded  all  her  nation's  solemn  feasts 

With  white-robed  Levites,  and  high -mitred  priests-. 
How  gorgeous  her  temple's  sacred  state! 
Her  streets  are  razed,  her  maidens  sold  for  slaves, 
Her  gates  thrown  down,  her  elders  in  their  graves  ; 
Her  feasts  are  holden  'mid  the  Gentile's  scorn, 
By  stealth  her  priesthood's  holy  garments  worn. 

Milman. 

Jerusalem  !  alas!  alas!  of  old, 
Deaf  to  whate'er  prophetic  seers  foretold, 
Assailing  all,  whom  Heaven,  in  mercy  sent 
And  murdering  those  that  warned  thee  to  repent ! 
Thou,  the  world's  Saviour  who  suspendedst  high, 
His  works  reviled,  and  mocked  His  agony, 
How  oft  hath  God,  still  gracious,  striven  to  bring 
Thy  devious  brood  beneath  His  sheltering  wing, 
To  save  thee  from  the  hovering  eagle's  power, 
And  shield  the  unequalled  misery  of  this  hour ! 
But  no !  thou  would'st  not !  thence  this  signal  fate  ! 
Thence  art  thou  fallen  !  deserted !  desolate  ! 

William  Gibson. 

Jerusalem  !  my  happy  home  ! 

Name  ever  dear  to  me  ; 
"When  shall  my  labours  have  an  end 

In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee? 

When  shall  these  eyes  thy  heaven-built  walls 

And  pearly  gates  behold  ? 
Thy  bulwarks  with  salvation  strong, 

And  streets  of  shining  gold?  Dickson. 


329 


JESUS. 

And  thou  shalt  cull  his  name  .Jesus:  for  he  shall  save  his  people 
from  their  sins.— Matthew,  i.  21. 

But  we  see  JESUS,  who  WBS  made  B  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned  with  glory  and  honour;  that  he 
by  the  grace  of  God  should  taste  death  for  every  man.— Hebrews,  ii.  !». 

Whosoever  shall  confess  that  JESUS  is  the  Son  of  God,  God  dwelleth 
in  him,  and  he  in  God. — I.  John,  iv.  15. 


To  Thee,  O  Jesu,  I  direct  my  eyes, 

To  Thee  my  hands,  to  Thee  my  humble  knees ; 
To  Thee  my  heart  shall  offer  sacrifice, 

To  Thee  my  thoughts,  who  my  thoughts  only  sees; 
To  Thee  myself,  myself  and  all  I  give, 
To  Thee  I  die,  to  Thee  I  only  live. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 

Jesus,  I  love  Thy  charming  name, 

'Tis  music  in  my  ear  ; 
Fain  would  I  sound  it  out  so  loud 

That  earth  and  heaven  should  hear. 

Yes,  thou  art  precious  to  my  soul, 

My  transport  and  my  trust ; 
Jewels  to  Thee  are  gaudy  toys, 

And  gold  is  sordid  dust. 

All  my  capacious  powers  can  wish, 

In  Thee  doth  richly  meet : 
Nor  to  mine  eyes  is  light  so  dear, 

!Nor  friendship  half  so  sweet, 

Thy  grace  still  dwells  upon  my  heart, 

And  sheds  its  fragrance  there ; 
The  noblest  balm  of  all  its  wounds, 

The  cordial  of  its  care. 

I'll  speak  the  honours  of  Thy  name 

"With  my  last  labouring  breath; 
Then,  speechless,  clasp  Thee  in  my  arms, 

The  antidote  of  death. 

Doddridge. 


330  jesus. 


0  God,  of  good  the  unfathomed  sea  ! 
Who  would  not  give  his  heart  to  Thee? 

Who  would  not  love  Thee  with  his  might  ? 
O  Jesu,  Lover  of  mankind  ! 
Who  would  not  his  whole  soul  and  mind, 

With  all  his  strength,  to  Thee  unite ; 

Hell's  armies  tremble  at  Thy  nod, 
And,  trembling,  own  th'  Almighty  God, 

Sovereign  of  earth,  hell,  air,  and  sky : 
But  who  is  this  that  comes  from  far, 
Whose  garments  roll'd  in  blood  appear  ? 

'T  is  God  made  man,  for  man  to  die.  Wesley. 

Weary  souls  that  wander  wide, 

From  the  central  point  of  bliss, 
Turn  to  Jesus  crucified, 

Fly  to  those  dear  wounds  of  His, 
Sink  into  the  purple  flood — rise  into  the  life  of  God. 

Wesley. 
Jesus  shall  reign  where'er  the  sun 
Does  his  successive  journeys  run; 
His  kingdom  stretch  from  shore  to  shore, 
'Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more. 

Watts. 
Jesus,  in  Thy  transporting  name 

What  blissful  glories  rise ! 
Jesus  the  angels'  sweetest  theme  ! 
The  wonder  of  the  skies  ! 

Well  might  the  skies  with  wonder  view 

A  love  so  strange  as  thine, 
No  thought  of  angels  ever  knew 

Compassion  so  divine.  Steele. 

We  know  that  "  He  will  save  us"  Lord, 

If  we  on  Him  depend, 
Jesus,  the  true  and  living  word, 

The  sinner's  only  friend. 
May  He  be  ours,  in  life  and  death, 

Jesus  enthroned  above, 
And  may  we  with  our  latest  breath 

Adore  redeeming  love !  J.  Burbidge. 


jews.  331 


JEWS. 

Thk  Lord  shall  establish  thee  an  holy  people  onto  himwnlf,  as  He 
hath  sworn  unto  thee,  if  thon  shalt  keep  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  walk  in   His  ways. 

And  all  people  of  the  earth  shall  see  that  thou  art  called  by  the 
name  of  the  Lord;  and  they  shall  be  afraid  of  thee. 

But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  it  thou  wilt  not  hearken  unto  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  his  commandments  and  his 
statutes,  *  *  *  thou  shalt  become  an  astonishment,  a  proverb  and  a 
bye- word,  among  all  nations  whither  the  Lord  shall  lead  thee. — 
Deuteronomy,  xxviii.  9,  10,  15,  37. 

Salvation  is  of  the  Jews.— John,  iv.  22. 

He  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  outwardly  ;  neither  is  that  circum- 
cision which  is  outward  in  the  flesh ; 

But  he  is  a  Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly  ;  and  circumcision  is  that 
of  the  heart,  in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter,  whose  praise  is  not 
of  men  but  of  God.— Romans,  ii.  28,  29. 

What  advantage  then  hath  the  Jew,  or  what  profit  is  there  in  cir- 
cumcision? Much  every  way:  chiefly,  because  that  unto  them  were 
committed  the  oracles  of  God. — Romans,  iii.  1,  2. 


They,  and  they  only,  amongst  all  mankind, 
Received  the  transcript  of  the  Eternal  Mind; 
Were  trusted  with  His  own  engraven  laws, 
And  constituted  guardians  of  His  cause  ; 
Theirs  were  the  prophets,  theirs  the  priestly  call, 
And  theirs,  by  birth,  the  Saviour  of  us  all. 

Cowper. 
Thrice  happy  nation  !  Favourite  of  Heaven ! 
Selected  from  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth 
To  be  His  chosen  race,  ordained  to  spread 
His  glory  through  remotest  realms,  and  teach 
The  Gentile  world  Jehovah's  awful  name. 

William  Hodson. 

That  people  once 
So  famed,  whom  God  Himself  vouchsafed  to  call 
His  chosen  race,  and  with  a  guardian  hand 
Deigned  to  protect,  from  Palestine  exiled, 
Are  doomed  to  wander;  although  scattered  thus 
Through  all  the  globe,  there  is  no  clime  which  they 
Can  call  their  own,  no  country  where  their  laws 
Hold  sovereign  rule.     Irrefragable  proof, 
That  every  oracle  of  Holy  Writ 
Was  given  by  Heaven  itself!  Samuel  Hayes. 


332  JORDAN. 


JORDAN. 

AND  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  beheld  all  the  plain  of  Jordan,  that 
it  was  well  watered  every  where. — Genesis,  xiii.  10. 

If  thou  hast  run  with  the  footmen,  and  they  have  wearied  thee,  then 
how  canst  thou  contend  with  horses ?  and  if  in  the  land  of  peace  where- 
in thou  trustedst,  they  wearied  thee,  then  how  wilt  thou  do  in  the 
swelling  of  Jordan. — Jeremiah,  xii.  5. 

Then  went  out  to  him  Jerusalem  and  all  Judea  and  all  the  region 
round  about  Jordan. 

And  were  baptized  of  him  in  Jordan  confessing  their  6ins. — Matthew, 
iii.  5,  6. 

The  waters  slept.     Night's  silvery  veil  hung  low 

On  Jordan's  bosom,  and  the  eddies  curled 

Their  glassy  rings  beneath  it,  like  the  still, 

Unbroken  beatings  of  the  sleeper's  pulse. 

The  reeds  bent  down  the  stream :  the  willow  leaves, 

With  a  soft  cheek  upon  the  lulling  tide, 

Forgot  the  lifting  winds  ;  and  the  long  stems, 

Whose  flowers  the  water,  like  a  gentle  nurse, 

Bears  on  its  bosom,  quietly  gave  way 

And  leaned  in  graceful  attitudes,  to  rest. 

How  strikingly  the  course  of  nature  tells 

By  its  light  heed  of  human  suffering 

That  it  was  fashioned  for  a  happier  world. 

N.  P.  Willis. 

Christian,  behold  the  typic  shade 

Of  that  dim  path  prepared  for  thee — 
Behold,  in  Jordan  s  tide  displayed, 

Death's  overflowing  sea. 
But  if  thou  still  hast  kept  the  Ark 
Of  God  before  thee  as  a  mark, 
Fear  not  the  troubled  waters  dark, 

Hovve'er  they  rage,  and  chafe,  and  roar ; 
On  that  mysterious  voyage  embark, 

And  Goal  will  guide  thee  o'er.  J.  H.  Clinch. 

When  I  tread  the  banks  of  Jordan 
May  my  soul  no  tremblings  know ; 

Be  my  Saviour  near  to  guide  me, 
And  uphold  me  as  I  go 

Through  the  waters, 
Fearing  not  their  overflow.  Egone. 


joy.  333 


JOY. 


THOU  wilt  shew  rue  the  path  of  life  :  in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of 
joy;  at  thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  lor  evermore.— Psalm  xvi.  11. 

Weeping  may  endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning.— 
Psalm  x.xx.  6. 

And  ye  now  therefore  have  sorrow:    but  I  will  see  you  again,  and 
your  heart  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no   man    taketh   from   you. 
John,  xvi.  22. 

What  nothing  earthly  gives,  or  can  destroy, 
The  soul's  calm  sunshine,  and  the  heartfelt  joy. 

Pope. 

A  Deity  believed,  is  joy  begun  ; 

A  Deity  adored,  is  joy  advanced; 

A  Deity  beloved,  la  joy  matured. 

Each  branch  of  piety  delight  inspires.  Young. 

Words  of  eternal  truth  proclaim 

All  mortal  jo ys  are  vain  ; 
A  diamond  pen  engraves  the  theme 

Upon  a  mortal  pane.  Watts. 

When  on  some  balmy-breathing  night  of  spring 

The  happy  child  to  whom  the  world  is  new, 
Pursues  the  evening  moih  of  mealy  wing, 

Or  from  the  heath-bell  shakes  the  sparkling  dew, 
He  sees  before  his  inexperienced  eyes, 

The  brilliant  £>low-worm  like  a  meteor  shine 
On  the  turf-bank,  surprised,  and  pleased,  he  cries 

"Star  of  the  dewy  grass  !  I  make  thee  mine." 
Then,  ere  he  sleeps,  collects  the  moistened  flower, 

And  bids  soft  leaves  his  glittering  prize  unfold, 
And  dreams  that  fairy  lamps  illume  his  bower; 

But  in  the  morning  shudders  to  behold 
His  shining  treasure  viewless  as  the  dust; 
So   fade   the   world's   bright  joys  to   cold  and   blank 
disgust.  Charlotte  Smith. 

I  see  a  forest,  dark,  dim,  deep,  and  dread, 
Whose  solemn  shades  no  human  foot  or  eye 
Can  penetrate  ;  but  now,  oh  see!  a  veil 
Falls  from  my  strengthened  eyes  ;  and  now 
Even  in  its  deepest  centre  I  behold 


334  jot. 

A  spot  more  beautiful  than  human  heart 
Can  comprehend ;  it  is  the  home  of  Joy, 
And  there  the  blessed  spirit  broods  for  ever, 
Making  her  dwelling-place  a  heaven  :  there 
The  skies  are  pure  as  crystal,  and  the  eye 
Looks  through  their  clear  expanse  direct  to  G-od. 
Wo  sun  is  there ;  the  air  itself  is  light 
And  life ;  a  rainbow  spans  it  like  a  crown 
Of  tearless  glory,  and  the  forest  trees 
Sweep  round  it  in  a  belt  of  living  green. 
Colour,  that  wayward  sprite  of  changeful  mien, 
Is  here  subdued  to  an  intensity 
Of  burning  lustre.     Sound  has  but  one  voice, 
And  that  is  joyous  song ;  sight  but  one  object, 
And  that  is  happiness  ;  mine  eyes  are  strained 
To  catch  the  lineaments  of  the  bright  queen, 
Whose  dwelling-place  I  see ;  but  't  is  in  vain; 
Nowhere  distinct,  yet  felt  in  all,  she  glides, 
A  shape  of  light  and  colour  through  the  air, 
Making  its  pure  transparency  to  thrill 
With  the  soft  music  of  her  viewless  step. 

C.  L.  Reddel. 

Christ  had  His  joys — but  they  were  not 

The  joys  the  son  of  pleasure  boasts — 
O,  no!  'twas  when  His  Spirit  sought 

Thy  will,  Thy  glory,  God  of  hosts ! 
Christ  had  His  joys — and  so  hath  he, 

Who  feels  His  Spirit  in  his  heart ; 
Who  yields,  O  G-od,  his  all  to  Thee, 

And  loves  Thy  name,  for  what  thou  art !  Anon. 

Joy  dwells  not  in  external  things, 

It  hath  an  inner  birth  ; 
The  sweetest  bird  in  darkness  sings, 
And  fairest  flowers  oft  nurture  stings, — 

Such  is  our  life  on  earth. 

Then  measure  not  by  outward  show 

The  depth  of  real  joy  ; 
The  heart  can  o'er  the  darkest  woe 
A  stream  of  sunlight  softly  throw, 

Or  purest  bliss  destroy.  W.  J.  Brock. 


JUDAH.  335 


JUDAH. 

When  Israel  went  out  of  Egypt,  the  house  of  Jacob  from  a  people 
of  strange  language; 

Judith  was  his  sanctuary  and  Israel  his  dominion. —Psalm  cxiv.  1,  '1. 

Judah  shall    dwell    for    ever,  and    Jerusalem    from   generation    to 
generation.,— JoeL  iii.  20. 

It  is  evident  that  our  Lor-d  sprang  out  of  Judah.— Hebrews,  vii.  14. 


Judah  !  thou  art  he  whom  thy  brethren  shall  praise, 
Thy  hand  shall  be  on  the  neck  of  thine  enemies: 
Thy  father's  children  shall  bow  down  before  thee. 

Judah  is  a  lion's  whelp  ! 
From  the  prey,  my  son,  thou  art  gone  up  : 
He  stooped  down,  he  crouched  as  a  lion, 
And  as  an  old  lion ;  who  shall  rouse  him  up  ? 
The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from  Judah, 
Nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet, 

Until  Shiloh  come, 
And  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be. 
Jacob's  Benediction  of  Judah,  Genesis,  xlix.  8,  9,  10. 
Dr.  Cannier  s  Metrical  Arrangement. 

O,  Thou,  the  Shepherd  of  Thy  flock, 

Who  led'st  Thy  people  through  the  wave, 
And  gav'st  them  water  from  the  rock, 

And  bar'dst  thine  arm  in  might  to  save : — 
Hear  Thou  the  strain  our  hearts  prolong — 

List — list  the  suppliant  captive's  cry — 
O,  when  shall  cease  the  mournful  song, 

O,  when  shall  Judah' s  tears  be  dry? 

C.  W.  Everest. 

For  yet  the  tenfold  film  shall  fall 

O,  Judah,  from  thy  sight, 
And  every  eye  be  purged  to  read 

Thy  testimonies  right, 
When  thou,  with  all  Messiah's  signs 

In  Christ  distinctly  seen, 
Shall,  by  Jehovah's  nameless  name, 

Invoke  the  Nazarene.  William  Crouwell, 


336  JUDGE. 


JUDGE— JUDGMENT. 

THE  Lord  loveth  judgment. — Psalm  xxxvii.  28. 

Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord,  give  ear  to  my  supplications. 

And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant :  for  in  thy  sight  shall 
no  man  living  be  justified. — Psalm  cxliii.  1,  2. 

Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.— Matthew,  vii.  1. 

We  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ. 

Let  us  not  therefore  judge  one  another  any  more,  but  judge  this 
rather,  that  no  man  put  a  stumbling-block,  or  an  occasion  to  fall,  in 
his  brother's  way.— Romans,  xiv.  10.  13. 


He  should  be  born  grey-headed,  that  will  bear 

The  sword  of  empire  -.judgment  of  the  life, 

Free  state,  and  reputation  of  a  man, 

If  he  be  just  and  worthy,  dwells  so  dark, 

That  it  denies  access  to  sun  and  moon; 

The  soul's  eye,  sharpen'd  with  that  sacred  light 

Of  whom  the  sun  itself  is  but  a  beam, 

Must  only  give  that  judgment.     O  bow  much 

Err  those  kings  then  that  play  with  life  and  death, 

And  nothing  put  into  their  serious  states 

But  humour  and  their  lusts!     For  which  alone 

Men  long  for  kingdoms,  whose  huge  counterpoise 

In  cares  and  dangers,  could  a  fool  comprise, 

He  would  not  be  a  king,  but  would  be  wise. 

Chapman. 

The  day  of  Christ;  the  last,  the  dreadful  day  ; 

When  thou  and  I,  and  all  the  world,  shall  come 

Before  His  judg  men  t-se&t,  to  hear  their  doom 
For  ever  and  for  ever ;  and  when  they 
Who  loved  not  God,  far,  far  from  Him  away 

Shall  go ; — but  whither  banished  ?  and  with  whom? — 

And  they  who  loved  Him  shall  be  welcomed  home 
To  God,  and  Christ,  and  Heaven,  and  Heaven's  array, 
Angels  and  saints  made  perfect — may  the  scene 

Of  that  dread  day  be  always  present  here — 
Here  in  my  heart !     That  every  day  between, 

Which  brings  my  passage  to  the  goal  more  near, 
May  find  me  fitter,  by  His  love  made  clean, 

Before  His  throne  of  justice  to  appear. 

Bishop  Mant. 


337 


Then,  all  Thy  saints  assembled,  Thou  aha\t  judge 

Bad  meu  and  angels;  they,  arraigned,  shall  sink 

Beneath  Thy  sentence :  Hell,  her  numbers  full, 

Thenceforth  shall  be  for  ever  shut.      Meanwhile 

The  world  shall  burn,  and  from  her  ashes  spring 

New  Heaven  and  Earth,  wherein  the  just  shall  dwell, 

And  after  all  their  tribulations  long, 

See  golden  days,  fruitful  of  golden  deeds, 

With  joy  and  love  triumphing,  and  fair  truth. 

Then  Thou  Thy  regal  sceptre  shalt  lay  by, 

For  regal  sceptre  thee  no  more  shall  need, 

God  shall  be  All  in  All.  Mi  lion. 


The  world  is  grown  old,  and  her  pleasures  are  past ; 
The  world  is  grown  old,  and  her  form  may  not  last ; 
The  world  is  grown  old.  and  trembles  for  fear, 
For  sorrows  abound,  and  judgment  is  near! 

The  sun  in  the  heaven  is  languid  and  pale; 
And  feeble  and  few  are  the  fruits  of  the  vale ; 
And  the  hearts  of  the  nations  fail  them  for  fear, 
For  the  world  is  grown  old,  and  judgment  is  near ! 

The  king  on  his  throne,  the  bride  in  her  bower, 
The  children  of  pleasure  all  feel  the  sad  hour; 
The  roses  are  faded,  and  tasteless  the  cheer  ; 
For  the  world  is  grown  old.  and  judgment  is  near ! 

The  world  is  grown  old,  but  should  we  complain 
Who  have  tried  her,  and  know  that  her  promise  is  vain  ; 
Our  heart  is  in  heaven,  our  home  is  not  here. 
And  we  look  for  our  crown  when  judgment  is  near. 

Bishop  Heber. 

From  Adam  to  his  youngest  heir, 

JS"ot  one  shall  'scape  that  muster-roll ; 

Each,  as  if  he  alone  were  there. 

Shall  stand,  and  win,  or  lose  his  soul : 

These  from  the  Judge's  presence,  go 

Down  into  everlasting  woe  ; 

Vengeance  hath  barred  the  gates  of  hell — 

The  scenes  within  do  tongue  can  tell. 

*  z 


JUDGE. 


But  lo  !  far  off,  the  righteous  pass 
To  glory  ;  from  the  king's  right  hand, 

In  silence,  on  the  sea  of  glass, 

Heaven's  numbers  without  number  stand, 

"While  He  who  bore  the  cross,  lays  down 

His  priestly  robe  and  victor  crown ; 

The  mediatorial  reign  complete, 

All  things  are  put  beneath  His  feet. 

James  Montgomery. 

Time 
Hath  functions  awful  and  sublime, 
And  on  its  viewless  lapse  are  traced 
Stern  chronicles  of  all  the  past, 
A  writing  every  sunset  laid, 
While  heaven  is  still  within  the  shade 
Of  Christ's  high  throne,  one  day  to  be 
A  part  of  the  solemnity 
And  pomp  of  judgment,  endless  Woe, 
Or  endless  Weal !  to  some  a  show 
Of  fiery  ciphers,  symbols  dread, 
Of  unchaste  things  unpardoned. 

And  some  there  are  to  whom  that  scroll 
Sad  record  still,  may  yet  unroll 
A  fairer  vision,  dark  and  bright, 
Like  dawn  o'er-mastering  tardy  night 
In  dubious  streaks,  with  here  and  there 
A  firm  and  radiant  character, 
To  angels'  eyes  not  new,  but  known 
And  recognised  the  Judge's  own. 

Frederic  W.  Faber. 

The  judgment  !  the  judgment  !  the  thrones  are  all  set, 
Where  the  Lamb  and  the  white-vested  Elders  are  met ! 
All  flesh  is  at  once  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
And  the  doom  of  eternity  hangs  on  His  word ! 

O  mercy  !  O  mercy !  look  down  from  above, 
Creator !  on  us  thy  sad  children,  with  love ! 
When  beneath,  to  their  darkness,  the  wicked  are  driven, 
May  our  sanctified  souls  find  a  mansion  in  Heaven! 

H.  H.  Milman. 


justice.  339 


JUSTICE. 

shall  mortal  man  be  more  jttst  than  God !  Shall  a  man  be  more 
pure  than  his  Maker.— Job,  iv.  17. 

Touching  the  Almighty,  we  cannot  find  him  out :  he  is  excellent  in 
power,  and  in  judgment  and  in  plenty  of  justice. — Job,  xxxvii.  23. 

Justice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation  of  Th  v  throne.— Psalm  lxxxix. 
14. 

To  do  justice  and  judgment  is  more  acceptable  to  the  Lord  than 
sacrifice.— Proverbs,  xxi.  3. 

Whoso  upon  himself  will  take  the  skill 
True  justice  unto  people  to  divide, 
Has  need  have  mighty  hands  for  to  fulfil 
That  which  he  doth  with  righteous  doom  decide, 
And  for  to  maister  wrong  and  puissant  pride ; 
For  vain  it  is  to  deem  of  things  aright, 
And  make  wrong  doers  justice  to  deride, 
Unless  it  be  performed  with  dreadless  might; 
For  power  is  the  right  hand  of  justice  truly  hight. 

Spenser. 
A.  just  man  cannot  fear, 
Not,  though  the  malice  of  traducing  tongues, 
The  open  vastness  of  a  tyrant's  ear, 
The  senseless  rigour  of  the  wrested  laws, 
Or  the  red  eyes  of  strain'd  authority, 
Should,  in  a  point  meet  all  to  take  his  life, 
His  innocence  is  armour  'gainst  all  these. 

Ben  Jonson. 

The  words  of  Heaven,  on  whom  it  will,  it  will ; 
On  whom  it  will  not,  so;  yet  still  'tis  just. 

Shakspere. 
His  life  is  parallel'd 
Even  with  the  stroke  and  line  of  his  great  justice  ; 
He  doth  with  holy  abstinence  subdue 
That  in  himself,  which  he  spurs  on  his  power 
To  qualify  in  others ;  where  he  meal'd 
With  that  which  he  corrects,  than  where  he  tyrannous; 
But  this  being  so,  he's  just.  Shakspere. 

Heaven's  king 
Keeps  register  of  every  thing, 
And  nothing  may  we  use  in  vain  ; 
Ev'n  beasts  must  be  with  justice  slain.       Marvell. 


340  JUSTICE. 

Well,  then,  my  soul,  joy  in  the  midst  of  pain  ; 

Thy  Christ,  that  conquered  hell,  shall  from  above 
With  greater  triumph  yet  return  again 

And  conquer  His  own  justice  with  His  love. 
Commanding  earth  and  seas  to  render  those 
Unto  His  bliss  for  whom  he  paid  His  woes. 

Wbtton. 

So  sure  the  fall  of  greatness  raised  on  crimes ! 

So  fixed  the  justice  of  all-conscious  Heaven! 
When  haughty  guilt  exalts  with  impious  joy, 
Mistake  shall  blast,  or  accident  destroy  ; 
Weak  man,  with  erring  rage,  may  throw  the  dart, 
But  Heaven  shall  guide  it  to  the  guilty  heart. 

Dr.  Johnson. 

Say,  how  can  man  he  justified  by  God? 
Thy  vaults  eternity  would  echo.     How  ? 
But  from  the  cross,  responding  grace  replies 
To  this  high  question.     Faith  in  Christ  is  life 
And  Love  and  Righteousness.     Completely  fit 
To  each  vast  claim  of  violated  law. 

R.  Montgomery. 

The  Sun  of  Justice  may  withdraw  his  beams 
Awhile  from  earthly  ken,  and  sit  concealed 
In  dark  recess  pavilioned  round  with  clouds  : 
Yet  let  not  guilt  presumptuous  rear  her  crest, 
Nor  virtue  droop  despondent :  soon  these  clouds, 
Seeming  eclipse,  will  brighten  into  day, 
And  in  majestic  splendour  He  will  rise, 
With  healing  and  with  terror  on  His  wings. 

George  Bally. 

Peace  to  the  just  man's  memory, — let  it  grow 
Greener  with  years,  and  blossom  through  the  flight 
Of  ages ;  let  the  mimic  canvas  show 
His  calm  benevolent  features  ;  let  the  light 
Stream  on  his  deeds  of  love,  that  shunned  the  sight 
Of  all  but  heaven,  and,  in  the  book  of  fame, 
The  glorious  record  of  his  virtues  write, 
And  hold  it  up  to  men,  and  bid  them  claim 
A  palm  like  his,  and  catch  from  him  the  hallowed  flame. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 


KINDNESS.  341 


KINDNESS. 

Blkssed  be  the  Lard  :  for  he  hath  shewed  rue  his  marvellous  kind- 
nrss.    Psalm  xxxi.  21. 

Rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord 
your  God :  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  of 
great  kindness.    Joel,  ii.  13. 

Be  kindhj  affectioned  one  to  another  with  brotherly  love;  in  honour 
preferring  one  another. — Romans,  xii.  10. 

Be  ye  hind  one  to  another,  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one  another, 
even  as  God  for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  you.— Ephesians,  iv.  82. 

The  poorest  poor 
Long  for  some  moments  iu  a  weary  life, 
When  they  can  know  and  feel  that  they  have  been 
Themselves  the  fathers  and  the  dealers  out 
Of  some  small  blessings — have  been  kind 
To  such  as  needed  kindness;  for  this  single  cause, 
That  we  have  all  of  us  a  human  heart. 

Wordsworth. 

Awake,  my  soul,  in  joyful  lays, 
And  sing  thy  great  Kedemer's  praise  ; 
He  justly  claims  a  song  from  me, 
His  loving-  k  indness  O  how  free  ! 

He  saw  me  ruined  in  the  fall, 
Yet  loved  me  notwithstanding  all : 
He  saved  me  from  my  lost  estate, 
His  loving- kindnes s  O  how  great ! 

Often  I  feel  my  sinful  heart 
Prone  from  my  Jesus  to  depart ; 
But,  though  I  have  Him  oft  forgot, 
His  lovmg-kindness  changes  not. 

Soon  shall  I  pass  the  gloomy  vale ; 
Soon  all  my  mortal  powers  shall  fail : 
O  may  my  last  expiring  breath 
His  lov'mg-kindness  sing  in  death ! 

Then  let  me  mount  and  soar  away 

To  the  bright  world  of  endless  day  : 

And  sing  with  rapture  and  surprise, 

His  loving-kindness  in  the  skies.  Medley. 


342  KINDNESS. 


As  from  the  bosom  of  her  mystic  fountains, 
Nile's  sacred  water  windeth  to  the  main, 
Flooding  each  vale  embosom'd  'mong  the  mountains, 

From  far  Alata's  fields  to  Egypt's  plain  : 
So  from  the  bosom  of  the  Fount  of  Love, 

A  golden  stream  of  sympathy  is  gushing ; 
And  winding,  first  through  intellect  above, 

Then  through  each  vale  of  mortal  mind  is  rushing  ; 
Sweeping  the  heart  of  iceberg  and  of  storm, 

Purging  humanity  of  every  blindness, 
Melting  all  spirits  earthly  into  one, 

And  leaving  holiness  and  joy — 'tis  Kindness. 

D.  K.  Lee. 
Meanwhile  as  we  idly  rave, 
Thousands  hasten  to  the  grave  ; 
No  kind  voice  their  footsteps  guides 
To  the  home  where  truth  abides  ; 
Tones  of  truth  within  them  stirred, 
Meet  with  no  kind  answering  word.       J.  Gostick. 

Be  kind  to  each  other ! 

The  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone. 
Then,  'midst  our  dejection, 

How  sweet  to  have  earn'd 
The  blest  recollection 

Of  kindness  return'd ! 
When  day  hath  departed, 

And  Memory  keeps 
The  watch,  broken-hearted, 

Where  all  the  loved  sleeps, 
Let  falsehood  assail  not, 

Nor  envy  disprove ; 
Let  trifles  prevail  not 

Against  those  ye  love. 
Nor  change  with  to-morrow 

Should  fortune  take  wing, 
But  the  deeper  the  sorrow 

The  closer  still  cling. 
Oh,  be  kind  to  each  other, 

For  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone.  Anon. 


343 


KING. 

THE  Lord  is  Ki/i'j  for  ever  and  ever.— Psalm  x.  V>. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  0  en  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting 

doors :  and*  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  i^  this  King  of  glory?    The  Lord  of  hosts,  he  is  the  A 
L'lory.— Psalm  xxiv.  9,  10. 

The  King  that  faithfully  jndgeth  the  poor,  his  throne  shall  b 
blished  for  ever.— Proverbs,  xxix.  14. 

Fear  God.    Honour  the  King.— I.  Peter,  ii.  17. 

The  king-becoming  graces 
Are  justice,  verity,  temperance,  stableness, 
Bounty,  perseverance,  mercy,  lowliness. 
Devotion,  patience,  courage,  fortitude. 

Shakspere. 
O  take  heed,  sir, 
Saints  stand  upon  heaven's  silver  battlements, 
When  kings  mate  vows,  and  lay  their  listening  ears 
To  princes'  protestations.  B.  Davenport. 

The  silver  trumpet's  heavenly  call 

Sounds  for  the  poor,  but  sounds  alike  for  all ; 

Kings  are  invited,  and,  would  kings  obey, 

No  slaves  on  earth  more  welcome  were  than  they ; 

But  royalty,  nobility,  and  state, 

Are  such  a  dead  preponderating  weight, 

That  endless  bliss,  how  strange  soe'er  it  seem, 

In  counterpoise  flies  up,  and  kicks  the  beam. 

Cowper. 
There's  not  a  leaf  within  the  bower  ; 

There's  not  a  bird  upon  the  tree  ; 
There's  not  a  dew-drop  on  the  flower ; 
But  leaves  the  impress  Lord  of  Thee. 

Thy  hand  the  varied  leaf  designed, 
And  gave  the  bird  its  thrilling  tone  ; 

Thy  power  the  dew-drop's  tints  combined, 
Till  like  the  diamond's  blaze  they  shone. 

Yes.  dew-drops,  leaves,  and  buds,  and  all, 
The  smallest,  like  the  greatest  things; 

The  sea's  vast  space,  the  earth's  wide  hall, 
Alike  proclaim  Thee  King  of  Kings. 

Mrs.  Opie. 


844  KINGDOM. 


KINGDOM. 

THE  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  heavens;  and  his  king- 
dorn  ruleth  over  all.— Psalrn  ciii.  19. 

Thy  kingdom  come. — Matthew,  vi.  10. 

Then  shall  the  King  say  uruo  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come,  ye 
blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.— Matthew,  xxv.  34. 

Jesus  answered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world :  if  my  kingdom 
were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  servants  fight ;  that  I  should  not 
be  delivered  to  the  Jews :  but  now  is  my  kingdom  not  from  hence. — 
John,  xviii.  36. 

And  there  were  great  voices  in  heaven,  saying,  The  kingdoms  of 
this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ : 
and  he  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.  -  Revelation,  xi.  15. 

"His  kingdom  come !"     For  this  we  pray  in  vain, 
Unless  He  does  in  our  affections  reign. 
How  fond  it  were  to  wish  for  such  a  King, 
And  no  obedience  to  His  sceptre  bring, 
Whose  yoke  is  easy,  and  His  burthen  light ; 
His  service  freedom,  and  His  judgments  right. 

Waller. 
Kingdoms  and  thrones  to  God  belong ; 
Crown  Him,  ye  nations,  in  your  song  ; 
His  wondrous  names  and  powers  rehearse, 
His  honours  shall  enrich  your  verse. 

Proclaim  Him  King,  pronounce  Him  blest ; 

He's  your  defence,  your  joy,  your  rest : 

When  terrors  rise,  and  nations  faint, 

God  is  the  strength  of  every  saint.  Watts. 

Thy  kingdom  come !  and  shall  we  dare 

With  lips  unhallowed  breathe  that  prayer? 

With  hearts  unsanctified  within, 

How  can  we  ever  hope  to  win 

A  place  or  kingdom  such  as  Thine, 

Where  all  is  holy  and  benign  ? 

Send  down  Thy  spirit,  Lord,  and  bless 

The  prayer  we  falteringly  express  : 

Oh,  give  us  grace,  and  give  us  power, 

To  wait  with  confidence  the  hour 

When  we  shall  in  thy  kingdom  be, 

And  dwell  to  all  eternity.  Eg  one. 


KNOWLEDGE.  345 


KNOWLEDGE. 

SHALL  any  teach  God  knowledgt  ■    Job,  xxi.  22. 

He  that  teacheth  man  knowledge,  shall  not  he  tnowt 

The  Lord  knoiceth  the  thoughts  of  man,  that  they  an  vanity.  Psjihn 
xciv.  10,  11. 

Wise  men  lay  up  knowledge.     Proverbs,  x.  14. 

Many  shall  run  to  and  fro,  and  knowledge  shall  he  increased.— Daniel, 
xii.  4. 

According  as  his  divine  power  hath  given  unto  us  all  things  That 
pertain  unto  life  and  godliness,  through  the  knowledge  of  him  that 
hath  called  us  to  glory  ami  virtue.     U.  Peter,  i.  3. 


O  Loed  !  in  me  there  lieth  nought, 
But  to  Thy  search  revealed  lies; 
For  when  I  sit 
Thou  markest  it, 
No  less  Thou  notest  when  I  rise; 
Yea,  closest  closet  of  my  thought 
Hath  open  windows  to  Thine  eyes. 

Thou  walkest  with  me  when  I  walk, 
When  to  my  bed  for  rest  I  go, 
I  find  Thee  there, 
And  every  where; 
Not  youngest  thought  in  me  doth  grow, 
No,  not  one  word  I  cast  to  talk, 
But  yet  unuttered  thou  dost  knovj. 

To  shun  Thy  notice,  leave  Thine  eye, 
O  whither  might  I  take  my  way  ? 
To  starry  sphere  ? 
Thy  throne  is  there. 
To  dead  men's  undelightsome  stay  ? 
There  is  Thy  walk,  and  there  to  lie 
Unknown,  in  vain  I  should  essay. 

O  sun  !  whom  light  nor  flight  can  match, 
Suppose  Thy  lightful,  flightful  wings 
Thou  lend  to  me, 
And  I  could  flee, 
As  far  as  Thee  the  evening  brings  ; 
Ev'n  led  to  west  He  would  me  catch, 
Nor  should  I  lurk  with  western  things. 


346  KNOWLEDGE. 


Do  thou  thy  best,  O  secret  night 
In  sable  vail  to  cover  me ; 
The  sable  vail 
Shall  vainly  fail : 
With  day  unmask'd  my  night  shall  be  : 
For  night  is  day,  and  darkness  light, 
O  Father  of  all  lights  to  Thee. 

Countess  of  Pembroke. 

Almighty  Being, 
Cause  and  support  of  all  things,  can  I  view 
These  objects  of  my  wonder :  can  I  feel 
These  fine  sensations,  and  not  think  of  Thee  ? 
Thou  who  dost  through  th'eternal  round  of  time, 
Dost  through  th'  immensity  of  space  exist 
Alone,  shalt  Thou  excluded  be 
From  this  Thy  universe  ?     Shall  feeble  man 
Think  it  beneath  his  pro  ad  philosophy 
To  call  for  Thy  assistance,  and  pretend 
To  frame  a  world,  who  cannot  frame  a  clod  ? 
Not  to  know  Thee,  is  not  to  Jcnoiv  ourselves — 
Is  to  know  nothing — worth  the  care 
Of  man's  exalted  spirit.  Stillingfleet. 

O  for  the  coming  of  that  glorious  time 

When,  prizing  knowledge  as  her  noblest  wealth 

And  best  protection,  this  imperial  realm, 

While  she  exacts  allegiance,  shall  admit 

An  obligation,  on  her  part,  to  teach 

Them  who  are  born  to  serve  her  and  obey ; 

Binding  herself  by  statute  to  secure 

For  all  the  children  whom  her  soil  maintains, 

The  rudiments  of  letters,  and  inform 

The  mind  with  moral  and  religious  truth, 

Both  understood  and  practised, — so  that  none, 

However  destitute,  be  left  to  droop 

By  culture  unsustained ;  or  run 

Into  a  wild  disorder :  or  be  forced 

To  drudge  through  a  weary  life  without  the  help 

Of  intellectual  implements  and  tools  ; 

A  savage  horde  among  the  civilized, 

A  servile  band  among  the  lordly  free.  Wordsworth. 


KNOWLEDGE.  .  3-17 


What  hast  thou,  Man,  that  thou  dar'st  call  thine  own  ? 
What  is  there  in  thee,  Man,  that  can  be  known  ? — 
Dark  fluxion,  all  unfixable  by  thought, 
Vain  sister  of  the  worm, — life,  death,  soul,  clod — 
Ignore  thyself,  and  strive  to  know  thy  God  ! 

Coleridge. 

What  is  true  knowledge  ?  is  it  with  keen  eye 

Of  lucre's  sons  to  thread  the  mazy  way  r 

18  it  of  civil  rights,  and  royal  sway. 
And  wealth  political,  the  depth  to  try  P 
Is  it  to  delve  the  earth,  to  soar  the  sky  ? 

To  marshal  nations,  tribes  in  just  array  ; 

To  mix,  and  analyze,  and  mete,  and  weigh 
Her  elements,  and  all  her  powers  descry  ? 
These  things,  who  will  may  know  them,  if  to  know 

Breed  not  vain  glory ;  but,  o'er  all,  to  scan 
God  in  His  works,  and  word  shown  forth  below, 

Creation's  wonders  ;  and  Redemption's  plan 
Whence  came  we  ;  what  to  do,  and  whither  go  ; 

This  is  true  knowledge,  and  the  whole  of  man. 

Bishop  Ma nt. 

Let  him  stand  who  will  on  the  giddy  height 
Of  the  palace-top  in  his  pride  of  place ! 

In  a  humbler  home  may  my  heart  delight, 

Where  my  couch  is  low,  and  my  pillow, — peace. 

Be  it  known  to  few  how  my  life  flows  on, 

As  I  silent  sail  on  its  noiseless  tide ! 
When  its  days  and  years  are  expired  and  gone, 

Let  my  record  be  that, — I  lived  and  died  ! 

For  sadly  he  meets  the  stroke  of  death, 

(At  the  ends  of  earth  though  his  name  be  known,) 

Who  laments,  when  yielding  his  final  breath, 
That  he 's  known  to  all  but  himself  alone. 

Mordaunt  Barnard. 

View  all  around  the  works  of  Power  Divine, 
Inquire,  explore,  admire,  extol,  resign: 
This  is  the  whole  of  human  kind  below; 
'Tis  only  given  beyond  the  grave  to  know. 

W.  Hamilton. 


348  KNOWLEDGE. 


Who  loves  not  knowledge  ?  who  shall  rail 

Against  her  beauty  ?     May  she  mix 

With  men  and  prosper !     Who  shall  fix 
Her  pillars  ?     Let  her  work  prevail. 
But  on  her  forehead  sits  a  fire  ; 

She  sets  her  forward  countenance, 

And  leaps  into  the  future  chance, 
Submitting  all  things  to  desire. 
Half-grown  as  yet,  a  child,  and  vain, 

She  cannot  fight  the  fear  of  death. 

What  is  she,  cut  from  love  and  faith, 
But  some  wild  Pallas  from  the  brain 
Of  Demons?  fiery  hot  to  burst 

All  barriers  in  her  onward  race 

For  power.     Let  her  know  her  place, 
She  is  the  second,  not  the  first. 
A  higher  hand  must  make  her  mild, 

If  all  be  not  in  vain;  and  guide 

Her  footsteps  moving  side  by  side 
With  wisdom,  like  the  younger  child. 
For  she  is  earthly  of  the  mind, 

But  wisdom  heavenly  of  the  soul. 

O  friend,  who  earnest  to  thy  goal 
So  early,  leaving  me  behind, 
I  would  the  great  world  grew  like  thee, 

Who  grewest  not  alone  in  power 

And  knowledge,  but  from  hour  to  hour 
In  reverence  and  in  charity.  Tennyson. 

Knowledge  holdeth  by   the  hilt,   and  heweth   out   a 

road   to  conquest; 
Ignorance  graspeth  the  blade,  and  is  wounded   by  its 

own  good  sword. 
Knowledge    distilleth    health   from  the    virulence   of 

opposite    poisons  ; 
Ignorance   mixeth  wholesomes   unto   the   breeding  of 

disease. 
Knowledge  is  leagued  with  the  universe,  and  findeth 

a  friend  in  all  things; 
But  ignorance  is   everywhere  a  stranger,  unwelcome, 

ill  at  ease,  and  out  of  place.       M.  F.  Tapper. 


LABOUR.  31'.' 


LABOUR. 

Come  unto  me.  all  ye  that  labour  an  1  an  heavj  laden,  and  1  will 
give  you  rest.— Matthew,  xi.  28. 

The  labourer  Is  worthy  of  bis  hire.     Lake,  x.  7. 

Let  him  that  stole  Bteal  no  more  :  hut  rather  let  him  labour,  working 
with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give  to 
him  that  needeth.    Epheeians,  iv.  28. 

Inventive  Labour!  cunning  to  deceive 
Thyself,  and  skilful  to  no  end  but  this, 
Still  to  be  doing,  never  to  achieve — 
What  profitest  ? — though  all,  to  such  excess, 
Man  cannot  utter  it,  be  full  of  thee — 
The  eye  unsatisfied,  the  ear  no  less — 
Sore  travail,  and  the  vainest  vanity- 
Ordained  to  exercise  the  sons  of  men — 
Who  getteth  wisdom,  where  thy  trials  be  ? 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

Labour,    with    envy    and   annoyance,  where  strangers 

will  thee  wealth  ; 
Labour,  with  indolence  and  gloom,  where  wealth  fall- 

eth  from  a  father ; 
Labour  unto   all,    whether   aching   thews,    or    aching 

head,  or  spirit ; 
The  curse  on   the  sons  of  men,  in  all  their  states,  is 

labour. 
Nevertheless,  to  the  diligent,  labour  bringeth  blessing; 
The   thought  of  duty  sweeteneth   toil,  and  travail   is 

a  pleasure ; 
And  time  spent  in  doing,  hath  a  comfort  that  is  not 

for  the  idle, 
The  hardship   is    transmuted   into    joy    by   the   dear 

alchemy  of  mercy. 
Labour  is  good   for  man,  bracing  up  his  energies  to 

conquest, 
And  without  it  life   is  dull,  the  man  perceiving  him- 
self useless. 
For  wearily  the  body  groaneth,  like  a  door  on  rusty 

hinges, 
And    the   grasp    of    the   mind    is   weakened,    as    the 

talons  of  a  caged  vulture.  M.  F.  Tapper. 


350 


LAND. 


Axd  the  Lord  said,  I  have  surely  seen  the  affliction  of  my  people 
which  are  in  Egypt. 

And  I  am  come  down  to  deliver  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Egyptians,  and  to  bring  them  up  out  of  that  land  unto  a  good  land, 
and  a  large,  unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.— Exodus, 
iii.  7,  8. 

He  that  tilleth  his  land  shall  be  satisfied  with  bread.— Proverbs. 
xii.  11. 

Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  king  in  his  beauty :  they  shall  behold  the 
land  that  is  very  far  off. — Isaiah,  xxxiii.  17. 

Beautiful  Landscape!    I  could  look  on  thee 
For  hours,  unmindful  of  the  storm  aud  strife, 
And  mingled  murmurs  of  tumultuous  life. 
Here,  all  is  still  as  fair — the  stream,  the  tree, 
The  wood,  the  sunshine  on  the  bank ;  no  tear — 
No  thought  of  time's  swift  wing,  or  closing  night, 
"Which  comes  to  steal  away  the  long  sweet  light, — 
No  sighs  of  sad  humanity  are  here. 
Here  is  no  tint  of  mortal  change — the  day, — 
Beneath  whose  light  the  dog  and  peasant  boy 
Gambol,  with  look,  and  almost  bark,  of  joy — 
Still  seems,  though  centuries  have  passed,  to  stay ; 
Then  gaze  again,  that  shadow'd  scenes  may  teach 
Lessons  of  peac;^  and  love,  beyond  all  speech. 

Bowles. 
There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight, 
Where  saints  immortal  reign  ; 
Infinite  day  excludes  the  night, 
And  pleasures  banish  pain. 

There  everlasting  spring  abides, 

And  never  withering  flowers  ; 
Death  like  a  narrow  sea  divides 

This  heavenly  land  from  ours.         Dr.  Watts. 

Yes,  far  beyond  the  clouds  outspread, 

Where  soaring  fancy  oft  hath  been, 
There  is  a  land  where  Thou  hast  said 

The  pure  in  heart  shall  enter  in  ; 
They  dream  no  more  of  grief  and  care, 
For  Thou,  the  God  of  Peace,  art  there. 

Mrs.  Wei  by. 


law.  351 


LAW. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  come  up  to  ine  into  the  mount,  and 
be  there:  and  I  will  give  thee  tables  of  stone,  and  a  Ui te.— Exodus, 
xxiv.  1:.'. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly, 
-:.deth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the 
scornful. 

But  his  delight  is  in  the  laic  of  the  Lord;  and  in  his  late  doth  he 
meditate  day  and  night. — Psalm  i.  1,  J. 

Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  late,  or  the  prophets;  I 
am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil. 

For  verily  I  say  unto  you.  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or 
one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the  laic,  till  all  )>e  fulfilled. — 
Matthew,  v.  17,  18. 

The  good  need  fear  no  law  ; 
It  is  his  safety,  and  the  bad  man's  awe.         Massinger. 

Law  hath  dominion  over  all  things,  over  universal 
mind  and  matter ; 

For  there  are  reciprocities  of  right  which  no  creature 
can  gains  a}*. 

Unto  each  was  there  added  by  its  ATaker,  in  the  per- 
fect chain  of  being, 

Dependencies  and  sustentations,  accidents,  and  qualities, 
and  powers : 

And  each  must  fly  forward  in  the  curve,  unto  which 
it  was  forced  from  the  beginning ; 

Each  must  attract  and  repel,  or  the  monarchy  of 
order  is  no  more. 

Laws  are  essential  emanations  from  the  self-poised 
character  of  God, 

And  they  radiate  from  that  sun  to  the  circling  edges 
of  creation. 

Yerily  the  mighty  Lawgiver  hath  subjected  himself 
unto  laws, 

And  God  is  the  primal  grand  example  of  free  unrestrain- 
ed obedience  ;  Martin  F.  Tupper. 

Adam's  foul  revolt 
From  the  primeval  law,  on  all  his  sons, 
Through  every  age,  the  sad  inheritance 
Of  sin  and  death  entailed.  Samuel  Hayes. 


352 


LEAF. 

WE  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf. — Isaiah,  lxiv.  6. 

See  the  leaves  around  us  falling 

Dry  and  withered  to  the  ground ; 
Thus  to  thoughtless  mortals  calling. 

In  a  sad  and  solemn  sound : 
Sons  of  Adam,  once  in  Eden, 

Blighted  when  like  us  he  fell, 
Hear  the  lecture  we  are  reading, 

'T  is,  alas  !  the  truth  we  tell. 
Virgins,  much,  too  much  presuming 

On  your  boasted  white  and  red, 
View  us,  late  in  beauty  blooming, 

Number'd  now  among  the  dead. 
Sons  of  honour,  fed  on  praises, 

Fluttering  high  in  fancied  worth. 
Lo  !  the  fickle  air,  that  raises, 

Brings  us  down  to  parent  earth. 
Learned  sophs,  in  systems  jaded, 

Who  for  new  ones  daily  call, 
Cease,  at  length,  by  us  persuaded, 

Ev'ry  leaf  must  have  its  fall. 
Youths,  though  yet  no  losses  grieve  you, 

Gay  in  health  and  manly  grace, 
Let  not  cloudless  skies  deceive  you, 

Summer  gives  to  autumn  place. 
Venerable  sires,  grown  hoary, 

Hither  turn  th'  unwilling  eye, 
Think,  amidst  your  falling  glory, 

Autumn  tells  a  winter  nigh. 
Yearly  in  our  course  returning, 

Messengers  of  shortest  stay, 
Thus  we  preach,  this  truth  concerning, 

"  Heaven  and  Earth  shall  pass  away." 
On  the  Tree  of  Life  eternal, 

Man,  let  all  thy  hope  be  staid, 
Which  alone,  for  ever  vernal, 

Bears  a  leaf  that  shall  not  fade. 

Bishop  Rome. 


LEARNING.  353 


LEARNING. 

A  wish  man  will  heir,  and  will  Increase  learning ;  and  :i   man   of 
understanding  shall  attain  onto  wise  counsels.— Rroverbs,  i.  •">. 

Cease  to  do  evil;  Learn  bo  do  weDL    Isaiah,  i.  1»;.  17. 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written  for  our 
learning.  -Romans,  w.   I. 

What  is  the  pomp  of  learning  ?  the  parade 
Of  letters  and  of  tongues  ?     Even  as  the  mists 
Of  the  grey  morn  before  the  rising  sun, 
That  pass  away  and  perish.     Earthly  things 
Are  but  the  transient  pageants  of  an  hour ; 
And  earthly  pride  is  like  the  passing  flower 
That  springs  to  fall,  and  blossoms  but  to  die. 

H.  K.   White. 

Of  the  deep  learning  of  the  schools  of  yore 
The  reverend  pastor  hath  a  golden  stock  ; 
Yet  with  a  vain  display  of  useless  lore, 
Or  sapless  doctrine  never  will  he  mock 
The  better  cravings  of  his  simple  flock  ; 
But  faithfully  their  humble  shepherd  guides 
Where  streams  eternal  gush  from  Calvary's  rock; 
For  well  he  knows  nor  learning's  purest  tides 
Can  quench  the  immortal  thirst  that  in  the  soul  abides. 

Mrs.  Little. 

Learning  is  good,  but  holiness  is  better: 

Learning  with  holiness  combined — what  then? 
Aye,  that  is  best  of  all ;  th'  instructed  mind, 
Which  ignorance  nor  prejudice  can  fetter, 

That  looks  through  nature  with  a  searching  ken. 
And  knows  the  history  of  human  kind, 
And  hath  a  store  of  treasures  at  command  ; 
If  such  can  meekly  bend,  and  humbly  wait 
Beside  the  footstool  of  the  Inflnite, 

Eager  to  bask  in  beams  of  saving  grace, 
Learning  and  goodness  then  go  hand  in  hand, 
And  happy  is  the  people  and  the  state, 

That  hath  Buch  'earned  men  to  shed  the  light 
Of  their  example  round  their  early  resting- 
place.  Egone. 
*                                  2  a 


354  LIBERTY. 


LIBERTY. 

Because  the  creature  itself  also  shall  be  delivered  from  the  bondage 
of  corruption  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. — Romans, 
viii.  21. 

Where  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty. — II.  Corinthians, 
hi.  17. 

So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  they  that  shall  be  judged  by  the  law  of 
liberty. — James,  ii.  12. 

In  vain  from  thee,  O  love,  expecting  ease, 

Few  hours  of  calm,  but  years  of  grief  I  passed, 
And  lived  on  joys  and  hopes  that  would  not  last — 

Food  ill  adapted  to  my  heart's  disease. 

But  now  that  I  desire  a  full  release, 

And  heaven  has  granted  me  this  sweet  contrast 
Of  light,  and  life,  and  liberty  so  vast, 

Far  as  I  can  from  thee  I  fly  for  peace ; 

Even  as  a  bird,  which,  rescued  from  the  snare. 
"Wings  to  the  shady  covert  of  the  grove, 

Still  fluttering  at  the  danger  it  has  seen. 
I  hear  thee  call  indeed,  as  I  remove  ; 

But  He  who  sought  me,  and  who  hears  my  prayer, 
Allows  not  earthly  love  to  come  between. 

Gabriel  Fiamma. 

But  there  is  yet  a  liberty,  unsung 

By  poets,  and  by  senators  unpraised, 

Which  monarchs  cannot  grant,  nor  all  the  powers 

Of  earth  and  hell  confederate,  take  away; 

A  liberty  which  persecution,  fraud, 

Oppression,  prisons,  have  no  power  to  bind  ; 

Which  whoso  tastes  can  be  enslaved  no  more. 

'T  is  liberty  of  heart,  derived  from  Heaven, 

Bought  with  His  blood,  who  gave  it  to  mankind, 

And  sealed  with  the  same  token.  Cowper. 

True  Liberty  was  Christian  ;  sanctified, 

Baptized  and  found  in  Christian  hearts  alone. 

First-born  of  Virtue,  daughter  of  the  skies, 

Nursling  of  truth  divine ;  sister  of  all 

The  graces,  meekness,  holiness,  and  love. 

Giving  to  God,  and  man,  and  all  below 

That  symptom  showed  of  sensible  existence, 

Their  due,  unasked.  PolloTc. 


LIFE.  355 


LIFE. 


A  MAN'S  lift  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things  which 
he  possesseth.— Luke,  xii.  15. 

This  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might  know  thee  the  only  true  God, 
and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent. — John,  xvii.  3. 

In  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  God,  that  cannot  lie,  promised  before 
the  world  began.— Titus,  i.  i». 

For  what  is  your  life?  It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a 
little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.— James,  iv.  14. 

Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God ;  because  he  laid  down  his  life 
for  us  :  and  we  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  brethren.— I.  John, 
iii.  16. 

So,  in  the  passing  of  a  day,  doth  pass 
The  bud  and  blossom  of  the  life  of  man, 

Nor  e'er  doth  flourish  more,  but  like  the  grass 
Cut  down,  becometh  withered,  pale,  and  wan. 

lasso. 

I  live  on  earth  upon  a  stage  of  sorrow; 

Lord,  if  Thou  pleasest,  end  the  play  to-morrow. 

I  live  on  earth,  as  in  a  dream  of  pleasure  ; 

Awake  me  when  Thou  wilt,  I  wait  Thy  leisure. 

I  live  on  earth,  but  as  of  life  bereaven ; 

My  life's  with  Thee,  for,  Lord,  Thou  art  in  Heaven. 

Quarles. 

Thy  life's  &  warfare,  thou  a  soldier  art, 

Satan's  thy  foeman,  and  a  faithful  heart 

Thy  two-edged  weapon,  patience  thy  shield, 

Heaven  is  thy  chieftain,  and  the  world  thy  field. 

To  be  afraid  to  die,  or  wish  for  death, 

Are  words  and  passions  of  despairing  breath  : 

Who  doth  the  first,  the  day  doth  faintly  yield ; 

And  who  the  second,  basely  flies  the  field.         Quarles. 

While  man  is  growing,  life  is  in  decrease  ; 
And  cradles  rock  us  nearer  to  the  tomb. 
Our  birth  is  nothing  but  our  death  begun ; 
As  tapers  waste   that  instant  they  take  fire. 

He  sins  against  this  life,  who  slights  the  next. 

Young. 


dob  LIFE. 

Life  is  most  enjoyed 
When  courted  least ;  most  worth  when  disesteemed ; 
Then  't  is  the  seat  of  comfort,  rich  in  peace, 
In  prospect  richer  far ;  important,  awful, 
Not  to  be  mentioned,  but  with  shouts  of  praise! 
Not  to  be  thought  on,  but  with  tides  of  joy! 
The  mighty  basis  of  eternal  bliss  ! 

###### 

In  the  same  brook,  none  ever  bathed  him  twice  : 

To  the  same  life,  none  ever  twice  awoke. 

We  call  the  brook  the  same  ;  the  same  we  think 

Our  life,  though  still  more  rapid  in  its  flow ; 

Nor  mark  the  much  irrevocably  lapsed, 

And  mingled  with  the  sea.  Young. 

Opening  the  map  of  God's  expansive  plan, 
We  find  a  little  isle,  this  life  of  man  ; 
Eternity's  unknown  expanse  appears 
Circling  around,  and  limiting  his  years. 
The  busy  race  examine  and  explore 
Each  creek  and  cavern  of  the  dangerous  shore, 
With  care  collect  what  in  their  eyes  excels, 
Some  shining  pebbles,  and  some  weeds  and  shells, 
Thus  laden,  dream  that  they  are  rich  and  great, 
And  happiest  he  that  groans  beneath  his  weight. 
The  waves  o'ertake  them  in  their  serious  play, 
And  every  hour  sweeps  multitudes  away ; 
They  shriek  and  sink — survivors  start  and  weep, 
Pursue  their  sport,  and  follow  to  the  deep. 

Cowper. 
This  mortal  life, 

Seeming  so  fair,  is  like  a  feather  tossed, 
Borne  on  the  wind,  and  in  a  moment  lost. 
Or  if  with  sudden  wheel  it  flies 
Further  sometimes,  and  upwards  springs, 
And  then  upon  its  wings 
Sustained  in  air,  as  if  self-balanced,  lies, 
The  lightness  of  its  nature  is  the  cause — 
And  swiftly,  after  little  pause, 
With  thousand  turns,  and  thousand  idle  stops, 
Because  it  is  of  earth,  to  earth  it  drops. 

From  ihe  Italian  of  Sanazzaro. 


LIFE.  357 

Transient,  fickle,  light,  and  gay, 

Flattering  only  to  betray  ; 

What,  alas !  can  life  contain ! 

Life  like  all  its  circles, — vain.  Moore. 

Man's  life 's  a  book  of  history ; 
.  The  leaves  thereof  are  days  ; 
The  letters,  mercies  closely  joined  ; 

The  title  is  God's  praise.  Mason. 

How  short  is  human  life  !  the  very  breath 
"Which  frames  my  words,  accelerates  my  death. 

Sunn  ah  3Jore. 

Ah,  what  is  Life !  a  dream  within  a  dream  ; 

A  pilgrimage  from  peril  rarely  free ; 

A  bark  that  sails  upon  a  changing  sea,  « 

Now  sunshine  and  now  storm  ;  a  mountain  stream 

Heard,  but  scarce  seen  ere  to  the  dark  deep  gone ; 
A  wild  star  blazing  with  unsteady  beam, 

Yet  for  a  season  fair  to  look  upon. 
Life  is  an  infant  on  Affection's  knee, 
A  youth  now  full  of  hope  and  transient  glee, 

In  manhood's  peerless  noon,  now  bright,  anon 
A  time-worn  ruin  silvered  o'er  with  years. 

Life  is  a  race  where  slippery  steeps  arise, 

Where  discontent  and  sorrow  are  the  prize, 
And  where  the  goal  appears  the  grave  is  won. 

E.  Moxon. 
In  deserts  of  the  Holy  Land  I  strayed, 
Where  Christ  once  lived,  but  seems  to  live  no  more, 
On  Lebanon  my  lonely  home  I  made, 
I  heard  the  wind  among  the  cedars  roar, 
And  saw,  far  off,  the  Great  Sea's  solemn  shore : 
"But  'tis  a  dreary  wilderness."  I  said, 
Now  the  prophetic  spirit  hence  has  fled : 
Then,  from  a  convent  in  the  vale,  I  heard, 
Slow-chanted  forth,  the  everlasting  Word, 
Saying  "I  am  he  that  hveth.  and  was  dead, 
And  lo  !  I  am  alive  for  evermore." 
Then  forth  upon  my  pilgrimage  I  fare. 
Resolved  to  find  and  praise  Him  everywhere. 

J.  Qostick. 


358  LIFE. 

Tell  me  not,  in  mournful  numbers, 

"Life  is  but  an  empty  dream  !" 
For  the  soul  is  dead  that  slumbers. 

And  things  are  not  what  they  seem. 

Life  is  real !     Life  is  earnest ! 

And  the  grave  is  not  its  goal ;  , 

''Dust  thou  art.  to  dust  returnest," 

Was  not  spoken  of  the  soul. 

Not  enjoyment,  and  not  sorrow, 

Is  our  destined  end  or  way, 
But  to  act,  that  each  to-morrow 

Find  us  farther  than  to-day. 

Art  is  long,  and  time  is  fleeting, 

And  our  hearts,  though  stout  and  brave, 

Still,  like  muffled  drums,  are  beating 
Funeral  marches  to  the  grave. 

In  the  world's  broad  field  of  battle, 

In  the  bivouac  of  Life, 
Be  not  like  dumb,  driven  cattle ! 

Be  a  hero  in  the  strife  ! 

Trust  no  future,  howe'er  pleasant ! 

Let  the  dead  Past  bury  its  dead ! 
Act, — act  in  the  living  Present ! 

Heart  within,  and  God  o'erhead ! 

Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 

We  can  make  our  lives  sublime, 
And,  departing,  leave  behind  us 

Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time ; 

Footprints,  that  perhaps  another, 

Sailing  o'er  life's  solemn  main, 
A  forlorn  and  shipwrecked  brother, 

Seeing,  shall  take  heart  again. 

Let  us,  then,  be  up  and  doing, 

With  a  heart  for  any  fate, 
Still  achieving,  still  pursuing, 

Learn  to  labour  and  to  wait.  Longfellow. 


LIGHT.  35i* 

LIGHT. 

Vm>  God  said,  Let  there  be  light:  and  there  was  light. 

And   God  saw  the    light   that   it    was  good  :   and  God  divided   the 
light  from  the  dark 

I  God  called  the  light  Dt  .  L  3,  i.  •">. 

Truly  the  -'  .  .  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  tor  the  i 

behold" the  sun. -L  \i.  7. 

Come  ye,  and  let  us  walk  in  the  light  <>t  the  Lord.     Isaiah,  ii.  .3. 

Let    your   light  so  shine   before  men  that  they  may  see  your   good 
works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven.— Matthew, 

The  dayspring  from  on  high  hath  i  .rive  light  to  them 

that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in    the  shadow  of   death,  to  guide  our   Beet 
into  the  way  of  peace.— Luke.  i.  78,  79. 

Every  one  that  doeth  eviL  hateth  the  light;  neither  cometh  to  the 
Unfit,  lest  his  deeds  should  be  reproved. — John.  iii.  80. 

The  day  that  only  springeth  from  on  high, 
That  high  day  -light  wherein  the  heavens  do  live  : 
The  life  that  loves  but  to  behold  that  eye 
Which  doth  the  glory  of  all  brightness  give. 
And  from  the  enlightened  doth  all  darkness  drive  : 

"Where  saints  do  see,  and  angels  know  to  see 

A  brighter  light  than  saints  or  angels  see. 
In  this  light's  love,  O,  let  me  ever  live ! 
And  let  my  soul  have  never  other  love 
But  all  the  pleasures  of  this  world  to  give. 
The  smallest  spark  of  such  a  joy  to  prove. 
And  ever  pray  unto  my  God  above, 

To  grant  my  humble  soul  good  Simeon's  grace, 

In  love  to  see  my  Saviour  in  the  face. 

Xicholas  Breton. 

Hail,  holy  Light,  offspring  of  heav'n  first  born, 

Or  of  th'  Eternal  coeternal  beam, 

^lay  I  express  thee  unblam'd  ?     Since  God  is  Light. 

And  never  but  in  unapproached  light 

Dwelt  from  eternity,  dwelt  then  in  thee. 

Bright  effluence  of  bright  essence  increate. 

Or  hear'st  thou  rather  pure  ethereal  stream. 

Whose  fountain  who  shall  tell?     Before  the  sun, 

Before  the  heav'ns  thou  wert,  and  at  the  voice 

Of  God,  as  with  a  mantle,  did'st  invest 

The  rising  world  of  waters  dark  and  deep, 

Won  from  the  void  and  formless  infinite !  Milton. 


360  LIGHT. 

He  that  bath  light  within  his  own  clear  breast, 

May  sit  in  the  centre,  and  enjoy  bright  day ; 

But  he  that  hides  a  dark  soul,  and  foul  thoughts, 

Benighted  walks  under  the  mid-day  sun: 

Himself  is  his  own  dungeon.  Milton. 

Prime  cheerer,  Light! 
Of  all  material  beings,  first  and  best ! 
Efflux  divine  !     Nature's  resplendent  robe ! 
Without  whose  vesting  beauty,  all  were  wrapt 
In  unessential  gloom  !  and  thou,  O  Sun ! 
Soul  of  surrounding  worlds,  in  whom,  best  seen, 
Shines  out  thy  Maker!  Thomson. 

See,  the  time  for  sleep  has  run, 

Rise  before,  or  with  the  sun  : 

Lift  thy  hands,  and  humbly  pray 

The  fountain  of  eternal  day, 

That,  as  the  light,  serenely  fair, 

Illustrates  all  the  tracts  of  air  ; 

The  Sacred  Spirit  so  may  rest, 

With  quickening  beams,  upon  thy  breast. 

Parnell. 
When  Israel  of  the  Lord  beloved, 

Out  from  the  land  of  bondage  came, 
Her  father's  God  before  her  moved, 

An  awful  guide  in  smoke  and  flame, 
By  day  along  the  astonish'd  lands 

The  cloudy  pillar  glided  slow ; 
By  night  Arabia's  crimson'd  sands 

Heturn'd  the  fiery  column's  glow. 
And  present  still,  though  now  unseen! 

When  brightly  shines  the  prosperous  day. 
Be  thoughts  of  Thee  a  cloudy  screen, 

To  temper  the  deceitful  ray ; 
And  oh,  when  stoops  in  Judab's  path, 

In  shade  and  storm,  the  frequent  night, 
Be  Thou  long-suffering,  slow  to  wrath, 

A  burning  and  a  shining  light. 

Sir  Walter  Scott. 
O  light,  thy  subtle  essence  who  may  know? 
— Ask  not,  for  all  things  but  myself  I  show. 

J.  Montgomery. 


LIGHT. 


361 


Almighty  Framer  of  the  skies  ! 
0  let  our  pure  devotion  rise 

Like  incense  in  thy  sight! 
Wrapt  in  impenetrable  shade, 
The  texture  of  our  souls  was  made, 

Till  thy  command  gave  light. 


Chatta -ion. 


Awake,  arise,  thy  light  is  come  ; 

The  nations  that  before  outshone  thee, 
Now  at  thy  feet  lie  dark  and  dumb, 

The  glory  of  the  Lord  is  on  thee! 
Arise — the  Gentiles  to  thy  ray, 

From  ev'ry  nook  of  earth  shall  cluster ; 
And  kings  and  princes  haste  to  pay 

Their  homage  to  thy  rising  lustre.  Moore. 


Walk  in  the  light!  so  shalt  thou  know 

That  fellowship  of  love 
His  Spirit  only  can  bestow, 

Who  reigns  in  light  above. 
Walk  in  the  light !  and  sin,  abhorred, 

Shall  ne'er  defile  again  ; 
The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord 

Shall  cleanse  from  every  stain. 

Walk  in  the  light  I  and  thou  shalt  find, 

Thy  heart  made  truly  His, 
Who  dwells  in  cloudless  light  enshrined, 

In  whom  no  darkness  is. 
Walk  in  the  light  !  and  thou  shalt  own 

Thy  darkness  passed  away, 
Because  that  light  hath  on  thee  shone, 

In  which  is  perfect  day. 

Walk  in  the  light !  and  e'en  the  tomb 

No  fearful  shade  shall  wear ; 
Glory  shall  chase  away  its  gloom, 
(  For  Christ  hath  conquered  there. 

Walk  in  the  tight !  and  thou  shalt  be 
A  path,  though  thorny,  bright ; 

For  God,  by  grace,  shall  dwell  in  thee, 
And  God  Himself  is  light  I 


Barton. 


LIGHT. 


"Let  there  be  light  /"  The  Eternal  spoke, 

And  from  the  abyss  where  darkness  rode 
The  earliest  dawn  of  nature  broke, 

And  light  around  creation  flowed  : 
The  glad  earth  smiled  to  see  the  day, 

The  first-born  day  come  blushing  in  ; 
The  young  day  smiled  to  shed  its  ray 

Upon  a  world  untouched  by  sin. 

"Let  there  be  light  l"     O'er  heaven  and  earth, 

The  God  who  first  the  day-beam  poured, 
Uttered  again  His  fiat  forth, 

And  shed  the  gospel's  light  abroad ; 
And,  like  the  dawn,  its  cheering  rays 

On  rich  and  poor  were  meant  to  fall, 
Inspiring  their  Redeemer's  praise, 

In  lowly  cot,  and  lordly  hall. 

Then  come,  when  in  the  orient  first 

Flushes  the  signal-light  for  prayer ; 
Come  with  the  earliest  beams  that  burst 

From  God's  bright  throne  of  glory  there  : 
Come,  kneel  to  Him  who  through  the  night 

Hath  watched  above  thy  sleeping  soul ; 
To  Him  whose  mercies,  like  His  light, 

Are  shed  abroad  from  pole  to  pole. 

Charles  F.  Hoffman. 

Then  moved  upon  the  waveless  deep 

The  quickening  Spirit  of  the  Lord ; 
And  broken  was  its  pulseless  sleep 

Before  the  Everlasting  Word ! 
"Let  there  be  Light!"  and  listening  earth. 

With  tree,  and  plant,  and  flowery  sod, 
"  In  the  beginning"  sprang  to  birth, 

Obedient  to  the  voice  of  God.    W.  H.  Burleigh. 

Heard  as  each  morn  relumes  the  eastern  cloud. 
Thy  voice  of  holiest  comfort  cries  aloud, 
Bidding  us  rise,  the  night-like  past  above, 
And  soar  on  morning's  wing  to  thoughts  of  light  and 
love !  A  non. 


LORD.  363 

LOKD. 

The  Lord  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.— Exodus,  xv.  18. 

Hear.  0  Lord,  and  have  mercy  upon  me :  Lord,  be  thou  my  helper. 
— Psalm  xrx.  10. 

By  the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  heavens  made :  and  all  the  host 
of  them  by  the  breath  of  His  mouth.— Psalm  xxxiii.  6. 

Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worship  at  his  holy  hilL  for  the 
Lord  our  God  is  holy.— Psalm  xcix.  9. 

And  I  heard  as  it  were  the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  and  as  the 
voice  of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  many  thunderings,  saying. 
Alleluia  :  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth.— Revelation,  xix.  6. 

Thou  art  of  all  created  things 

O  Lord,  the  essence  and  the  cause, 

The  source  and  centre  of  all  bliss  ; 

What  are  those  veils  of  woven  light, 

Where  sun  and  moon  and  stars  unite, 

The  purple  morn,  the  sprangled  night. 

But  curtains  which  Thy  mercy  draws 

Between  the  heavenly  world  and  this  ? 

The  terrors  of  the  sea  and  land, 

When  all  the  elements  conspire. 

The  earth  and  water,  storm  and  fire, 

Are  but  the  shadows  of  Thy  hand ; 

The  lightning's  flash,  the  howling  storm. 

The  dread  volcano's  awful  blaze, 

Proclaim  Thy  glory  and  Thy  praise ! 

Beneath  the  sunny  summer  showers 

Thy  love  assumes  a  milder  form 

And  writes  its  angel  name  in  flowers  ; 

The  wind  that  flies  with  winged  feet 

Around  the  grassy  gladdened  earth. 

Seems  but  commissioned  to  repeat 

In  echo's  accents — silvery  sweet — 

That  Thou.  O  Lord,  didst  give  it  birth. 

There  is  a  tongue  in  every  flame. 

There  is  a  tongue  in  every-  wave. 

To  these  the  bounteous  Godhead  gave 

These  organs  but  to  praise  His  name ! 

O  mighty  Lord  of  boundless  space 

Here  canst  Thou  be  both  sought  and  found. 

For  here  in  everything  around 


364  LORD. 


Thy  presence  and  Thy  power  I  trace  ; 
With  faith  my  guide  and  my  defence, 
I  burn  to  serve  in  love  and  fear  ; 
If  as  a  slave,  oh  !  leave  me  here, 
If  not,  O  Lord,  remove  me  hence ! 

M'  Carthy,from  the  Spanish  of  Calderon. 

The  Lord  of  all,  Himself  through  all  diffused. 

Sustains,  and  is  the  life  of  all  that  lives. 

Nature  is  but  a  name  for  an  effect, 

Whose  cause  is  God.     He  feeds  the  secret  fire 

By  which  the  mighty  process  is  maintained ; 

Who  sleeps  not,  is  not  weary ;  in  whose  sight 

Slow  circling  ages  are  as  transient  days ; 

Whose  work  is  without  labour;  whose  designs 

No  flaw  deforms,  no  difficulty  thwarts  ; 

And  whose  beneficence  no  charge  exhausts. 

Him  blind  antiquity  profaned,  not  served, 

With  self-taught  rites,  and  under  various  names. 

Female  and  Male  Pomona,  Pales,  Pan, 

And  Flora,  and  Vertumnus  ;  peopling  earth 

With  tutelary  goddesses  and  gods 

That  were  not ;  and  commending  as  they  would 

To  each  some  province,  garden,  field,  or  grove. 

But  all  are  under  one.     One  Spirit,  His 

Who  wore  the  platted  thorns  with  bleeding  brows, 

Hules  universal  nature.     Not  a  flower 

But  shows  some  touch  in  freckle,  streak,  or  stain, 

Of  His  unrivalled  pencil.     He  inspires 

Their  balmy  odours,  and  imparts  their  hues, 

And  bathes  their  eyes  with  nectar,  and  includes, 

In  grains  as  countless  as  the  sea-side  sands, 

The  forms  with  which  He  sprinkles  all  the  earth. 

Cowper. 

The  Lord  will  come  !  the  earth  shall  quake, 

The  hills  their  fixed  seat  forsake; 

And,  withering,  from  the  vault  of  night 

The  stars  withdraw  their  feeble  light. 

The  Lord  will  come!  but  not  the  same 

As  once  in  lowly  form  He  came, 

A  silent  Lamb  to  slaughter  led, 

The  bruis'd,  the  suffring,  and  the  dead. 


LORD.  365 

The  Lord  will  come  !  a  dreadful  form, 
"With  wreath  of  flame,  and  robe  of  storm, 
On  cherub  wings,  and  wings  of  wind, 
Anointed  Judge  of  human-kind ! 

Go,  tyrants!  to  the  rocks  complain! 

Go,  seek  the  mountain's  cleft  in  vain!  • 

But  faith,  victorious  o'er  the  tomb, 

Shall  sing  for  joy,  the  Lord  is  come  !  Heber. 

Great  Former  of  this  various  frame, 
Our  souls  adore  thine  awful  name ; 
And  bow  and  tremble  while  they  praise 
The  Ancient  of  eternal  days. 

Thou  Lord,  with  unsurprised  survey, 

Saw'st  nature  rising  yesterday  ; 

And,  as  to-morrow,  shall  thine  eye, 

See  earth  and  stars  in  ruin  lie.  Doddridge. 

In  the  dark  winter  of  affliction's  hour, 

When  summer  friends  and  pleasures  haste  away, 

And  the  wrecked  heart  perceives  how  frail  each  power 

It  made  a  refuge,  and  believed  a  stay ; 

When  man,  all  wild  and  weak  is  seen  to  be — 

There '8  none  like  Thee,  O  Lord!  there's  none  like  Thee! 

Thou  in  adversity  canst  be  a  sun; 

Thou  hast  a  healing  balm,  a  sheltering  tower, 

The  peace,  the  truth,  the  life,  the  love  of  One, 

Nor  wound,  nor  grief,  nor  storm  can  overpower 

Gifts  of  a  King  ;  gifts,  frequent  and  yet  free, — 

There's  none  like  Thee,  O  Lord!  none,  none  like  Thee ! 

Mi**  Jewsbury. 
Attired  with  majesty,  the  Lord  doth  reign. 
And  girt  with  strength.     The  world  immovably 
Is  stablished,  and  His  throne  shall  aye  remain! 
Thou  art  for  ever!     The  floods  have  lifted  high, 
O  Lord!  the  floods  have  lifted  high  their  voice, 
The  floods  lift  up  their  billows  mightily — 
The  Lord  on  high  is  mightier  than  the  noise 
Of  many  waters,  stronger  than  the  seas — 
Thy  word  is  sure — Let  all  the  earth  rejoice  ! 

J.  A.   Heraud. 


366  love. 


LOVE. 

THE  Lord  preserveth  all  them  that  love  Him.— Psalm  xciv.  'iO. 

Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you. — Matthew,  v.  44. 

This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved 
you. 

Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life 
for  his  friends. 

Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you.— John,  xv. 
12,  14. 

God   commendeth   his    love  toward  us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet 
sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.— Romans,  v.  8. 

Behold,  what  manner  of   love  the  Father  hath   bestowed  upon  us, 
that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God. — I.  John,  iii.  1. 

Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another :  for  love  is  of  God ;  and  every  one 
that  loveth  is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth  God.— I.  John,  iv.  7. 

Weak  though  we  are,  to  love  is  no  hard  task, 
And  love  for  love  is  all  that  Heaven  does  ask. 

*?p  *zP  -n*  w  *a*  Tp 

'T  is  with  our  minds  as  with  a  fertile  ground ; 
Wanting  this  love,  they  must  with  weeds  abound ; 
Unruly  passions,  whose  effects  are  worse 
Than  thorns  and  briars,  springing  from  the  curse. 

Waller. 

Legions  of  angels,  which  He  might  have  used, 
For  us  resolved  to  perish,  He  refused; 
While  they  stood  ready  to  prevent  His  loss, 
Love  took  Him  up,  and  nailed  Him  to  the  cross. 
Immortal  love  I  which  in  His  bowels  reigned, 
That  we  might  be  by  such  high  love  constrained 
To  make  return  of  love ;  upon  this  pole 
Our  duty  does,  and  our  religion  roll. 
To  love  is  to  believe,  to  hope,  to  know; 
'T  is  an  essay,  a  taste  of  Heaven  below. 
He  to  proud  potentates  would  not  be  known ; 
Of  those  who  loved  Him,  He  was  hid  from  none. 

Waller. 

Humble  love, 
And  not  proud  science,  keeps  the  door  of  Heaven ; 
Love  finds  admission  where  proud  science  fails. 

Young. 


love.  367 

Love  celestial !  wondrous  heat ! 

O,  beyond  expression  great ! 

What  resistless  charms  were  thine, 

In  thy  good,  thy  best  design ! 

When  God  was  hated,  sin  obeyed, 

And  man  undone,  without  thy  aid, 

From  the  seats  of  endless  peace 

They  brought  the  Son,  the  Lord  of  Grace  ; 

They  taught  Him  to  receive  a  birth. 

To  clothe  in  flesh,  to  live  on  earth, 

And  after,  lifted  Him  on  high, 

And  taught  Him  on  the  cross  to  die.  Paniell. 


He  prayeth  best,  who  loveth  best 

All  things,  both  great  and  small ; 

For  the  dear  God  who  loveth  us, 

He  made  and  loveth  all.  Coleridge. 

They  sin  who  tell  us  love  can  die ! 
With  life  all  other  passions  fly, 

All  others  are  but  vanity  ; 
In  heaven  ambition  cannot  dwell, 
Xor  avarice  in  the  vaults  of  hell ; 
Earthly  these  passions  of  the  earth. 
They  perish  where  they  have  their  birth. 

But  love  is  indestructible, 

Its  holy  flame  for  ever  burneth, 
From  heaven  it  came,  to  heaven  returneth : 

For  oft  on  earth  a  troubled  guest, 

At  times  deceived,  at  times  oppress'd ; 

It  here  is  tried  and  purified, 

Then  hath  in  heaven  its  perfect  rest : 

It  sowest  here  with  toil  and  care, 
But  the  harvest-time  of  love  is  there.  Southey. 


I  must  love  on,  O  God ! 
This  bosom  must  love  on !  but  let  thy  breath 
Touch  and  make  pure  the  flame  that  knows  not  death 
Bearing  it  up  to  Heaven,  Loves  own  abode. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 


368  love. 

No  mortal  object  did  these  eyes  behold 

When  first  they  met  the  placid  light  of  thine, 
And  my  sonl  felt  her  destiny  divine ; 
And  hope  of  endless  peace  in  me  grew  bold: 
Heaven-born,  the  soul  a  heavenward  course  must  hold ; 
Beyond  the  visible  world  she  soars  to  seek 
(For  what  delights  the  sense  is  false  and  weak) 
Ideal  form,  the  universal  mould. 
The  wise  man,  I  affirm,  can  find  no  rest 
In  that  which  perishes  :  nor  will  he  lend 
His  heart  to  ought  which  doth  on  time  depend. 
Tis  sense,  unbridled  will,  and  not  true  love, 
Which  kills  the  soul :  love  betters  what  is  best 
Even  here  below,  but  more  in  heaven  above. 

Wordsivorth,  from  Michael  Angelo. 

0  Love!  thy  essence  is  thy  purity! 

Breathe  one  unhallowed  breath  upon  thy  flame, 
And  it  is  gone  for  ever,  and  but  leaves 

A  sullied  vase — its  pure  light  lost  in  shame. 

Miss  Landon. 
Love  Thee !     Oh,  clad  in  human  lowliness, — 
In  whom  each  heart  its  mortal  kindred  knows, — 
Our  flesh,  our  forms,  our  tears,  our  pains,  our  woes ; 
A  fellow-wanderer  o'er  earth's  wilderness ! 
Love  Thee  ! — whose  very  word  but  breathes  to  bless ! 
Through  Thee,  from  long-seal'd  lips,  glad  language  flows  ; 
The  blind  their  eyes,  that  laugh  with  light,  unclose  ; 
And  babes,  unchid,  Thy  garment's  hem  caress. 

1  see  thee — doomed  by  bitterest  pangs  to  die, 
Up  the  sad  hill,  with  willing  footsteps  move, 
With  scorge,  and  taunt,  and  wanton  agony ; 
While  the  cross  nods,  in  hideous  gloom,  above, 
Though  all — even  there — be  radiant  Deity  ! 
Speechless  I  gaze,  and  my  whole  soul  is  Love. 

Milman. 
They  err,  who  deem  love's  brightest  hour  in  blooming 

youth  is  flown: 
Its  purest,  tenderest,  holiest  power  in  after  life  is  known, 
When  passions  chastened  and  subdued,  to  riper  years 

are  given, 
And  earth,  and  earthly  things,    are   viewed  in   light 

that  breaks  from  Heaven.  Bernard  Barton. 


lovb.  369- 

Music  of  the  bough  that  waves, 

As  the  wind  plays  lightly  o'er; 
Music  of  the  stream  that  laves 

Pebbly  marge  or  rocky  shore ; 
Sweet  your  melody  to  me, 

Singing  to  the  soul — the  tone 
Exceeds  by  far  the  minstrelsy 

Of  halls  wherein  bright  harpers  shone ; 
For  ye  attune  His  praise  who  made 

The  wondrous  perfect  frame  we  view, 
Each  hill,  and  plain,  and  leafy  shade, 

And  you  fair  canopy  of  blue  : 
Ye  seem  to  sing, — "How  great  the  arm 

Of  that  high  God  who  reigns  above  ; 
Him  worship !  but  without  alarm  ; 

His  dearest,  best  known  name  is  Love." 

James  Edmeston. 

All  things  that  are  on  earth  shall  wholly  pass  away, 
I'iXcept  the  Love  of  God,  which  shall  live  and  last  for 

aye. 

****** 

Anon  the  great  globe  itself  (so  the  holy  writings  tell,) 
With  the  rolling  firmament,  where  the  starry  armies 

dwell, 
Shall  melt  with  fervent  heat — they  all  shall  pass  away, 
Except   the    Love  of  God,  which  shall  live  and   last 

for  aye.  W.  C.  Bryant. 

God  is  Love,  saith  the  Evangel ; 

And  our  world  of  woe  and  sin 
Is  made  light  and  happy  only, 

When  a  love  is  shining  in.  J.  G.  Wh\ttiei\ 

Oh,  loving  and  forgiving — 

Ye  angel  words  of  earth 
l'ears  were  not  worth  the  living 

If  ye  too  had  not  birth ! 
Oh,  loving  and  forbearing — 

How  sweet  your  mission  here  ; 
The  grief  that  ye  are  sharing 

Hath  blessings  in  its  tear. 
*  2b 


370  LOVE. 

Oh,  stern  and  unforgiving — 

Ye  evil  words  of  life, 
That  mock  the  means  of  living 

With  never-ending  strife. 
Oh,  harsh  and  unrepenting 

How  would  ye  meet  the  grave, 
If  Heaven,  as  unrelenting, 

Forbore  not,  nor  forgave  ? 

Oh,  loving  and  forgiving — 

Sweet  sisters  of  the  soul, 
In  whose  celestial  living 

The  passions  hnd  control ! 
Still  breathe  your  influence  o'er  us 

Whene'er  by  passion  crost, 
And,  angel-like,  restore  us 

The  paradise  we  lost.  Charles  Swain. 

'T  is  the  angel  Love, 
He,  who  for  ever  strives  with  Death,  and  yet 
Doth  live  !    I  see  a  form  erect  and  motionless, 
Veiled  with  a  cloud  of  darkness,  that  no  eye 
Can  pierce ;  that  spectre  form  is  Death,  and  there 
I  see  Love  crushed  and  bleeding  'neath  his  feet : 
But  still  undying — still  a  conqueror — still 
A  thing  that  Death  may  wound  but  cannot  quell. 
In  his  warm  blood  a  spirit  still  survives  ; 
In  his  bright  eye  a  soul  is  living  yet ; 
In  his  undying  heart,  eternal  life 
Throbs  fixedly.     Oh  strife  most  beautiful ! 
Thou  crowned  martyr !  thou  enduring  Love  ! 
How  beautiful  thou  art!  Constantia  L.  Riddell. 

Why  should  I  a  stranger  be 

In  my  Father's  dwelling, 
While  hill  and  river,  rock  and  tree, 

Of  his  love  are  telling  ? 
Always  heard  their  simple  voice, 
Bidding  child-like  hearts  rejoice, 
Whispers  us  this  love  is  near ; 
What  we  seek  in  yonder  sphere, 
Love  can  find  it  now — and  here.      Joseph  Gostick. 


LOYE.  371 

Hail,  holy  love  !  ethereal  essence,  hail ! 

Heaven's  earliest  offspring,  earliest  visitant 

From  thence  to  earth,  here  latest  found  to  soothe 

Man's  burdened  heart,  with  pains  and  griefs  oppressed, 

(Sad  fruit  of  disobedience,)  thou,  ere  time 

His  race  had  yet  begun,  the  glorious  plan 

Of  mercy  didst  devise,  the  day  of  grace, 

That  with  mild  lustre  dawned  in  Eden's  shades, 

What  time  primeval  sinners  strove  to  hide 

(Vain  subterfuge!)  from  God's  all-piercing  eye 

Their  guilt  and  shame  ;  and  thousand  promises 

With  kindling  radiance  on  the  raptured  mind 

Of  patriarchs,  and  kings,  and  prophets  rose, 

And  saints  expectant.  S.  Stennet. 

Love  never  fails  :  though  knowledge  cease, 

Though  Prophecies  decay, 
Love,  Christian  love,  shall  still  increase, 

Shall  still  extend  her  sway. 
Here  dimly,  through  life's  shadowy  glass, 

We  strain  our  infant  eyes  ; 
Soon  shall  the  earth-born  vapours  pass, 

And  light,  unclouded,  rise  ; 
Then  Hope  shall  sink  in  changeless  doom, 

Then  Faith's  bright  race  be  o'er, 
But  Thou,  Eternal  Love,  shalt  bloom 

More  glorious  than  before.  W.  Peter. 

Before  the  sparkling  lamps  on  high 
Were  kindled  up,  and  hung  around  the  sky : 
Before  the  sun  led  on  the  circling  hours, 
Or  vital  seeds  produced  their  active  powers; 
Before  the  first  intelligences  strung 
Their  golden  harps  and  soft  preludiums  sung 
To   Love,   the   mighty   cause   whence   their   existence 
sprung, 

Th'  ineffable  Divinity 
His  own  resemblance  meets  in  thee. 
By  this  thy  glorious  lineage  thou  dost  prove 
Thy  high  descent — for  God  Himself  is  Love. 

Mrs.  Howe. 


372  LOWLINESS. 


LOWLINESS. 

THOUGH  the  Lord  be  high,  yet  hath  He  respect  unto  the  lowly:  but 
the  proud  He  knoweth  afar  off. — Psalm  cxxxviii.  6. 

When  pride  cometh,  then  cometh  shame :  but  with  the  lowly  is 
wisdom.— Proverbs,  xi.  2. 

Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain  glory;  but  in  lowliness 
of  mind  let  each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves. — Philippians, 
ii.  3. 

The  man  whose  eye 
Is  ever  on  himself,  doth  look  on  one 
The  least  of  nature's  works,  one  who  might  move 
The  wise  man  to  that  scorn  which  wisdom  holds 
Unlawful  ever.     O  be  wiser,  Thou ! 
Instructed  that  true  knowledge  leads  to  love  ; 
True  dignity  abides  with  him  alone, 
Who  in  the  silent  hour  of  inward  thought, 
Can  still  suspect,  and  still  revere  himself 
In  lowliness  of  heart.  Wordsworth. 


There  are  briars  besetting  every  path, 

That  call  for  patient  care  ; 
There  is  a  cross  in  every  lot, 

And  an  earnest  need  for  prayer ; 
But  a  lately  heart  that  leans  on  Thee 

Is  happy  anywhere.  Ann  L.  Waring. 

The  blessing  of  a  lowly  mind 

Lord,  unto  me  be  given, 
Joy  in  the  meanest  spot  to  find, 
To  see  in  all  of  human  kind, 
But  fellow-travellers,  designed 

To  rest  at  last  in  heaven. 


The  pleasures  of  a  lowly  state 

Oh,  let  me  ne'er  despise ; 
And  should  I  sit  among  the  great, 
Ne'er  be  my  heart  with  pride  elate, 
But  meekly  let  me  watch  and  wait 
In  lowliness  of  guise. 


Egone. 


MAN.  373 


MAN. 

l.v  the  day  that  God  created  man,  in  the  likeness  of  God  made  he 
him. 

Male  and  female  created  he  them ;  and  blessed  them,  and  called 
tueir  name  Adam,  in  the  day  when  they  were  created.— Genesis,  v. 
■■  2- 

Behold,  even  to  the  moon,  and  it  shineth  not ;  yea,  the  stars  are 
not  pure  in  his  sight. 

How  much  less  man,  that  is  a  worm?  and  the  son  of  HMM,  which 
is  a  worm?— Job,  xxv.  5,  6. 

When  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers,  the  moon 
and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordained. 

What  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him,  and  the  son  of  man 
that  thou  visitest  him. 

For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  and  hast 
crowned  him  with  glory  and  honour.— Psalm  viii.  3,  4,  5. 

Man's  goings  are  of  the  Lord;  how  can  a  man,  then,  understand 
his  own  way? — Proverbs,  xx.  24. 

Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  pro- 
ceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God.— Matthew,"  iv.  4. 

O,  what  is  man,  great  Maker  of  mankind  ! 

That  Thou  to  him  so  great  respect  dost  bear  ; 
That  Thou  adornest  him  with  so  bright  a  miud, 

Mak'st  him  a  king,  and  even  an  angel's  peer  ? 

O,  what  a  lively  life,  what  heavenly  power, 
"What  spreading  virtue,  what  a  sparkling  fire, 

How  great,  how  plentiful,  how  rich  a  dower 
Dost  Thou  within  the  dying  flesh  inspire ! 

Thou  leav'st  Thy  print  in  other  works  of  Thine, 
But  Thy  whole  image  Thou  in  man  hast  writ ; 

There  cannot  be  a  creature  more  divine, 
Except,  like  Thee,  it  should  be  infinite. 

But  it  exceeds  mans  thoughts,  to  think  how  high 
God  hath  raised  man,  since  God  a  man  became; 

The  angels  do  admire  this  mystery, 

And  are  astonished  when  they  view  the  same : 

Nor  hath  He  given  these  blessings  for  a  day, 
Nor  made  them  on  the  body's  life  depend  ; 

The  soul,  though  made  in  time,  survives  for  aye ; 
And  though  it  hath  beginning,  sees  no  end. 

Sir  John  Davies. 


374  MAN. 

So  fair  is  man,  that  death  (a  parting  blast,) 
Blasts  his  fair  flower,  and  makes  him  earth  at  last ; 
So  strong  is  man,  that  with  a  gasping  breath 
He  totters,  and  bequeaths  his  strength  to  death ; 
So  wise  is  man,  that  if  with  death  he  strive, 
His  wisdom  cannot  teach  him  how  to  live ; 
So  rich  is  man,  that  (all  his  debts  being  paid,) 
His  wealth's  the  winding-sheet  wherein  he's  laid ; 
So  young  is  man,  that  (broke  with  care  and  sorrow.) 
He's  old  enough  to-day  to  die  to-morrow. 

Francis  Quarles. 

Man's  not  a  lawful  steersman  of  his  days, 
His  bootless  wish  nor  hastens,  nor  delays  ; 
We  are  God's  hired  workmen,  He  discharges 
Some  late  at  night,  and  (when  He  list)  enlarges 
Others  at  noon,  and  in  the  morning  some : 
None  may  relieve  himself,  till  He  bid,  Come. 

Francis  Quarles. 

Let  us  make  man  in  our  own  image,  man 

In  our  similitudes,  and  let  them  rule 

Over  the  fish  and  fowl  of  both  sea  and  air, 

Beast  of  the  field,  and  over  all  the  earth, 

And  every  creeping  thing  that  creeps  theeground. 

This  said,  He  formed  thee  Adam,  thee,  O  man  I 

Dust  of  the  ground;  and  in  thy  nostrils  breathed 

The  breath  of  life  :  in  His  own  image,  He 

Created  thee — in  the  image  of  God 

Express.  Milton. 

When  by  His  Word  God  had  accomplished  all, 

Man  to  create  He  did  a  council  call : 

Employed  His  hand  to  give  the  dust  He  took 

A  graceful  figure  and  majestic  look  ; 

With  His  own  breath  conveyed  into  his  breast 

Life  and  a  soul  fit  to  command  the  rest.  Waller. 

Alas !  that  man 
Must  prove  the  direst  enemy  of  man — 
His  boasted  reason  wielded  to  contrive 
Dark  systems  of  despair — his  vaunted  skill, 
To  forge  the  fetters  which  enthral  the  soul. 

A.  Alexander. 


MAN.  375 

A  beam  ethereal,  sullied  and  absorpt ! 

Though  sullied  and  dishonoured,  still  divine ; 

Dim  miniature  of  greatness  absolute! 

An  heir  of  glory  !  a  frail  child  of  dust ! 

Helpless  immortal !  insect  infinite ! 

A  worm  !  a  god  !    I  tremble  at  myself, 

And  in  myself  am  lost.     At  home  a  stranger, 

Thought  wanders  up  and  down,  surprised,  aghast, 

And  wondering  at  her  own.    How  reason  reels  ! 

Oh  !  what  miracle  to  man  to  man  !  Young. 

Say,  why  was  man  so  eminently  rais'd 

Amid  the  vast  creation  ;  why  ordain'd 

Through  life  and  death  to  dart  his  piercing  eye, 

With  thoughts  beyond  the  limits  of  his  frame ; 

But  that  the  Omnipotent  might  send  him  forth 

In  sight  of  mortal  and  immortal  powers, 

As  on  a  boundless  theatre,  to  run 

The  great  career  of  justice  ;  to  exalt 

His  generous  aim  to  all  diviner  deeds  ; 

To  chase  each  partial  purpose  from  his  breast ; 

And  through  the  mists  of  passion  and  of  sense, 

And  through  the  tossing  tide  of  chance  and  pain, 

To  hold  his  course  unfaltering  ;  while  the  voice 

Of  truth  and  virtue,  up  the  steep  ascent 

Of  nature,  calls  him  to  his  high  reward — 

The  applauding  smile  of  Heaven?  Akenside. 

Traveller,  as  roaming  over  vales  and  steeps, 
Thou  hast,  perchance,  beheld  in  foliage  fair 
A  willow  bending  o'er  a  brook — it  weeps, 
Leaf  after  leaf,  into  the  stream,  till  bare 
Are  the  best  boughs,  the  lovliest  and  the  brightest, 
Oh  !  sigh,  for  well  thou  may'st,  yet  as  thou  sighest, 
Think  not  't  is  o'er  imaginary  woe  ; 
I  tell  thee,  traveller,  such  is  mortal  man, 

And  so  he  hangs  o'er  fancied  bliss,  and  so. 
While  life  is  verging  to  its  shortest  span, 
Drop  one  by  one  his  dearest  joys  away, 
Till  hope  is  but  the  ghost  of  something  fair, 
Till  joy  is  mockery,  till  life  is  care, 
Till  he  himself  is  unreflecting  clay.      Henry  Neele. 


376  MAN. 

Whate'er  of  earth  is  formed,  to  earth  returns 
Dissolved  :  the  various  objects  we  behold — 
Plants,  animals,  this  whole  material  mass — 
Are  ever  changing,  ever  new.     The  soul 
Of  man  alone,  that  particle  divine, 
Escapes  the  wreck  of  worlds,  when  all  things  fail : 
Hence  the  great  distance  'twixt  the  beasts  that  perish. 
And  God's  bright  image,  mans  immortal  race. 

Somervillt. 
Prostration  vile,  an  alienate  from  God 
Man  is,  and  shall  his  fallen  nature  rise, 
Her  height  regain,  and  fill  ethereal  thrones  ? 
Many  a  cloud  of  evil  shall  be  burst, 
Ere  that  day  come,  severe  and  dread  the  strife 
Of  sullied  nature  with  the  soul  of  man, 
Whate'er  his  climate,  character,  or  creed, 
Temptation,  like  a  spirit,  tracks  his  path. 

R.  Montgomery. 
And  what  is  man  ?    In  outward  guise 
Let  him  be  prince,  or  peer,  or  slave, 
Or  poor  and  weak,  or  great  and  wise — 

A  mortal,  tending  to  the  grave  : 
Such  are  all  men — from  earth  we  came, 
Earth  doth  her  own  poor  dust  reclaim. 

H.  H.  Weld. 

But,  of  Thy  works,  through  sea  and  land, 
Or  the  wide  fields  of  ether  wending, 
In  man  Thy  noblest  thoughts  are  blending  ; 

Man  is  the  glory  of  thy  hand ; — 
Man  modelled  in  a  form  of  grace, 
Where  every  beauty  has  its  place  ; 

A  gentleness  and  glory  sharing 

His  spirit,  where  we  may  behold 
A  higher  aim,  a  nobler  daring : 

'T  is  Thine  immortal  mould.         Jacob  Bellamy. 

When  the  Almighty  Fiat,  from  the  gloom 
Of  chaos  drawn  to  light,  had  now  arranged 
The  jarring  seeds,  the  last,  the  most  sublime 
Of  all  His  works,  was  Man  called  forth  ;  to  him 
The  Sovereign  Word  gave  empire  o'er  the  whole. 

Samuel  Hayes. 


MARRIAGE.  377 


MARRIAGE. 

THEREFORE  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his  mother,  and  shall 
cleave  unto  his  wife :  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh. — Genesis,  ii.  24. 

And  the  third  day  there  was  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee;  and 
the  mother  of  Jesus  was  there: 

And  both  Jesus  was  called,  and  his  disciples  to  the  marriage.— 
John,  ii.  1,  2. 

Marriage  is  honourable  in  all.— Hebrews,  xiii.  4. 

Blessed  are  they  which  are  called  unto  the  marriage  supper  of  the 
Lamb. — Revelations,  xix.  9. 

Save  the  love  we  pay- 
To  Heaven,  none  purer,  holier  than  that 
A  virtuous  woman  feels,  for  him  she'd  cleave 
Thro'  life  to.     Sisters  part  from  sisters — brothers 
From  brothers — children  from  their  parents — but 
Such  woman  from  the  husband  of  her  choice, 
Never.  Sheridan  Knowles. 

Joy,  serious  and  sublime, 
Such  as  doth  nerve  the  energies  of  prayer, 
Should  swell  the  bosom,  when  a  maiden's  hand, 
Filled  with  life's  dewy  flowerets,  girdeth  on 
That  harness  which  the  ministry  of  death 
Alone  unlooseth,  but  whose  fearful  power 
May  stamp  the  sentence  of  Eternity. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 

Look  down,  O  Thou 
Who  wast  at  Cana !     Bless  the  rite  that's  past ! 
Help  me  to  put  a  wedding-garment  on 
For  the  great  marriage  supper ;  and  to  wear 
Thy  choice  of  ornaments,  while  I  await 
The  coming  of  the  Bridegroom.       Hannah  F.   Gould. 

There  are  smiles  and  tears  in  that  gathering  band, 
Where  the  heart  is  pledged  with  the  trembling  hand. 
What  trying  thoughts  in  the  bosom  swell, 
As  the  bride  bids  parents  and  home  farewell ! 
Kneel  down  by  the  side  of  the  tearful  fair, 
And  strengthen  the  perilous  hour  with  prayer. 

Henry   Ware,  Jun. 


378  MABTYBDOM. 


MAETYRDOM. 

AND  others  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings  and  scourgings,  yea,  more- 
over of  bonds  and  imprisonment : 

They  were  stoned,  they  were  sawn  asunder,  were  tempted,  wei-e 
slain  with  the  sword  :  they  wandered  about  in  sheep-skins  and  goat- 
skins ;  being  destitute,  afflicted,  tormented ; 

(Of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy :)  they  wandered  in  deserts, 
and  in  mountains,  and  in  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth.— Hebrews, 
xi.  36,  37,  38. 

I  saw  the  souls  of  them  that  were  beheaded  for  the  witness  of 
Jesus,  and  for  the  "Word  of  God. — Revelations,  xx.  4. 

The  Sacred  Book,  its  value  understood, 

Received  the  seal  of  martyrdom  in  blood. 

These  holy  men,  so  full  of  truth  and  grace, 

Seem,  to  reflection,  of  a  different  race ; 

Meek,  modest,  venerable,  wise,  sincere, 

In  such  a  cause  they  could  not  dare  to  fear ; 

They  could  not  purchase  earth  with  such  a  price. 

Or  spare  a  life  too  short  to  reach  the  skies. 

From  them  to  thee  conveyed  along  the  tide, 

Their  streaming  hearts  poured  freely  when  they  died; 

Those  truths  which  neither  use  nor  years  impair, 

Invite  thee,  woo  thee,  to  the  bliss  they  share. 

Cowper. 

In  vain  the  Eoman  lord 

Waved  the  relentless  sword, 
And  spread  the  terrors  of  the  circling  flame ; 

In  vain  the  heathen  sought, 

If  chance  some  lurking  spot, 
Might  mar  the  lustre  of  the  Christian  name : 
The  Eternal  Spirit,  by  His  fruits  confessed, 
In  life  secured  from  stains,  and  steel'd  in  death,  the 
breast.  Bishop  Mant. 

The  Son  of  God  is  gone  to  war, 

A  kingly  crown  to  gain; 
His  blood-red  banner  streams  afar ; 

W  ho  follows  in  his  train  ? 
— Who  best  can  drink  his  cup  of  woe, 

Triumphant  over  pain ; 
Who  boldest  bears  his  cross  below, — 

He  follows  in  his  train. 


MARTYRDOM.  379 


The  martyr  first,  whose  eagle-eye 

Could  pierce  beyond  the  grave  ; 
Who  saw  his  Master  in  the  sky, 

And  call'd  on  him  to  save  : 
Like  him,  with  pardon  on  his  tongue, 

In  midst  of  mortal  pain, 
He  pray'd  for  them  who  did  the  wrong: 
— Who  follows  in  the  train  ?  Heber. 


When  persecution's  torrent  blaze 

Wraps  the  unshrinking  martyr  s  head, 

When  fade  all  earthly  flowers  and  bays. 
When  summer  friends  are  gone  and  fled, 

Is  he  alone  in  that  dark  hour, 

Who  owns  the  Lord  of  love  and  power  ? 

Or  waves  there  not  around  his  brow, 

A  wand  no  human  arm  may  wield, 
Fraught  with  a  spell  no  angels  know, 

His  steps  to  guide,  his  soul  to  shield? 
Thou,  Saviour,  art  his  Charmed  Bower. 
His  Magic  Ring,  his  Rock,  his  Tower.  Keble. 

In  rendering  to  the  Lord  what  is  the  Lord's, 
Doth  not  the  thought  of  violence  bring  shame  ? 

Think  ye,  He  gave  the  branching  forest-tree 
To  furnish  fagots  for  the  funeral  pyre, 

Or  bid  His  sunrise  light  the  world,  to  see 
Pale,  tortured  victims  perish  there  by  fire  r 

Airs.  Norton. 

The  blood  of  martyrs,  living  still, 

Makes  the  ground  pregnant  where  it  flows, 

And  for  their  temporary  ill 

Thereon  eternal  triumph  grows.  J.  A.  Heraud. 

Thy  children,  even  as  martyrs  perished: 

Those  first-loved  fruits  that  sprang  from  thee, 

From  which  thy  heart  was  doomed  to  sever, 

In  praise  of  God,  shall  bloom  for  ever, 

Unhurt,  untouched,  by  tyranny.  Yondel. 


380  MEEKNESS. 


MEEKNESS. 

The  Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek.— Psalm  cxlvii.  6. 

The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  his  people :  he  -will  beautify  the  meek 
with  salvation. — Psalm  cxlix.  4. 

Blessed  are  the  meek:  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. —Matthew, 
v.  5. 

Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  me :  for  I  am  meek  and 
lowlv  in  heart :  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls. — Matthew, 
aa.  29. 

O,  what  a  doctrine  of  almighty  depth 

Messiah  founded,  when  His  truth  declar'd 

In  meekness  lies  the  majesty  of  man ! 

At  once  the  wisdom  of  the  world  was  dumb, 

And  fortune  blasted  on  her  throne  of  bliss. 

The  ways  of  pleasantness,  the  paths  of  peace, 

Are  dim  and  narrow,  tracks  of  noiseless  gloom 

Which  glory  flies,  and  grandeur  seldom  walks  : 

The  poor  in  spirit,  and  the  meek  in  heart, 

Who  thirst  and  hunger  for  Thy  righteous  word. — 

Oh !  these  are  blest,  for  Thine  unerring  voice 

Hath  call'd  them  so.  R.  Montgomery. 

Behold !  where,  in  the  friend  of  man, 

Appears  each  grace  divine  : 
The  virtues,  all  in  Jesus  met, 

With  mildest  radiance  shine. 

To  spread  the  rays  of  heavenly  light ; 

To  give  the  mourner  joy  ; 
To  preach  glad  tidings  to  the  poor, 

Was  His  divine  employ. 

'Midst  keen  reproach  and  cruel  scorn, 

Patient  and  meek  He  stood ; 
His  foes,  ungrateful,  sought  His  life  ; — 

He  laboured  for  their  good.  Enfield. 

Meek  souls  there  are,  who  little  dream 

Their  daily  strife  an  angel's  theme ; 

And  that  the  end  they  take  so  calm, 

Shall  prove  in  heaven  a  martyr's  palm.  Anon. 


MEETING.  381 


MEETING. 

Ami  thou  shalt   put  the  mercy  seat  above  upon  the  ark:   and  in 
the  ark  thou  shalt  put  the  testimony  that  I  shall  give  thee. 

Ami  there  I  will   meet  with  thee,  and  I  will  commune  with  thee 
from  above  the  mercy  seat.— Exodus,  xxv.  '11.  22. 

O,  when  a  mother  meets  on  hiijh 

The  babe  she  lost  in  infancy, 

Hath  she  not  then  for  pains  and  fears, 

The  day  of  woe,  the  watchful  night, 

For  all  her  sorrows,  all  her  tears, 

An  over-payment  of  delight?  Snuthey. 


0,  't  is  one  scene  of  parting  here, 

Love's  watchword  is  farewell  \ 
And  almost  starts  the  following  tear, 

Ere  dried  the  last  that  fell ! 
'T  is  but  to  feel  that  one  most  dear 

Is  needful  to  the  heart, 
And  straight  a  voice  is  muttering  near, 

Imperious,  Ye  must  part ! 

But  happiest  he,  whose  gifted  eye 

Above  this  world  can  see, 
And  those  diviner  realms  descry, 

Where  partings  cannot  be  ; 
Who,  with  One  changeless  Friend  on  high, 

Life's  various  path. has  trod, 
And  soars  to  meet,  beyond  the  sky, 

The  ransomed  and  their  God.  Townshend. 


Oh,  what  an  all-glorious  meeting, 

In  yonder  bright  world  we  shall  know; 

When  glorified  spirits  are  greeting 
The  friends  they  left  mourning  below. 

Earth's  friendships  renewed  shall  then  heighten 

The  loud-rolling  anthem  of  praise ; 
While  each  happy  spirit  shall  brighten 

At  the  feet  of  the  ancient  of  days. 

W.  J.  Brock. 


382  MEECY. 


MERCY. 

All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  mercy  and  truth  unto  such  as  keep 
his  covenant  and  his  testimonies. — Psahn  xxv.  10. 

The  Lord   is  good  to  all :   and  His  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His 
works. — Psalm  cxlv.  9. 

He  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  happy  is  he. — Proverbs,  xiv.  21. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful:  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. — Matthew, 
v.  7. 

Be  ye  therefore  merciful,   as  your   Father   also   is   merciful. — Luke. 
vi.  36. 

Ye  Sacred  "Writings!  in  whose  antique  leaves, 
The  wondrous  deeds  of  heaven  recorded  lie, 
Say  what  might  be  the  cause,  that  mercy  heaves 
The  dust  of  sin  above  the  starry  sky, 
And  lets  it  not  to  dust  and  ashes  fly  ? 
Could  Justice  be  of  sin  so  over-woo'd, 
Or  so  great  ill  be  cause  of  so  great  good, 
That,   bloody  man  to   save,   man's    Saviour   shed  his 
blood. 

Here,  when  the  ruin  of  that  beauteous  frame, 

Whose  golden  building  shin'd  with  every  star 
Of  excellence,  deform'd  with  sin  became  ; 
Mercy  rememb'ring  peace  in  midst  of  war, 
Lift  up  the  music  of  her  voice  to  bar 
Eternal  fate,  lest  it  should  quite  erase 
That  from  the  world,  which  was  the  first  world's 
grace. 
And  all  again  into  their  nothing — chaos — chase. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

Why,  all  the  souls  that  were,  were  forfeit  once ; 

And  He  that  might  the  vantage  best  have  took, 

Eound  out  the  remedy.     How  would  you  be, 

If  He  which  is  the  top  of  judgment,  should 

But  judge  you,  as  you  are?     O,  think  on  that! 

And  mercy  then  will  breathe  within  your  lips, 

Like  men  new  made.  ShaJcspere. 

It  is  an  attribute  of  God  himself, 

And  earthly  power  doth  then  show  liker  God's, 

When  mercy  seasons  justice.  Shakspere. 


MERCY.  383 


When  winter  fortunes  cloud  the  brows 

Of  summer  friends, — when  eyes  grow  strange, — 
When  plighted  faith  forgets  its  vows, 

AY  hen  earth  and  all  things  in  it  change, — 
O  Lord,  thy  mercies  fail  me  never — 
Where  once  thou  lovest,  thou  lovest  for  ever ! 

John  Quarles. 
Mercy  is  the  highest  reach  of  wit, 
A  safety  unto  them  that  save  with  it: 
Born  out  of  God,  and  unto  human  eyes, 
Like  God,  not  seen,  till  fleshly  passion  dies. 

Lord  Brooke. 
'T  is  He  supports  my  mortal  frame, 

My  tongue  shall  speak  His  praise, 
My  sins  would  rise  His  wrath  to  flame, 
And  yet  His  wrath  delays. 

On  a  poor  worm  Thy  power  might  tread, 

And  I  could  ne'er  withstand, 
TI137  justice  might  have  crushed  me  dead, 

But  mercy  held  Thy  hand.  Watts. 

Hard  is  his  fate  who  builds  his  peace  of  mind 

On  the  precarious  mercy  of  mankind ; 

Who  hopes  for  wild  and  visionary  things, 

And  mounts  o'er  unknown  seas  with  vent'rous  wings. 

Crabbe. 
Though  Nature  her  inverted  course  forego, 
The  day  forget  to  rest,  the  time  to  flow, 
Yet  shall  Jehovah's  servants  stand  secure, 
His  Mercy,  fixed,  eternal  shall  endure ; 
On  them  her  everlasting  rays  shall  shine, 
More  mild  and  bright,  and  sure,  O  sun !  than  thine. 

Bishop  Lowth, 

How  are  thy  servants  bless'd,  O  Lord ! 

How  sure  is  their  defence  ! 
Eternal  wisdom  is  their  guide, 

Their  help,  Omnipotence  ! 

In  foreign  realms,  and  lands  remote, 

Supported  by  thy  care, 
Through  burning  climes  I  pass'd  unhurt, 

And  breathed  in  tainted  air. 


384  MERCY. 


In  midst  of  dangers,  fears,  and  death, 

Thy  goodness  I'll  adore  ; 
And  praise  thee  for  thy  mercies  past, 

And  humbly  hope  for  more.  Addison. 

With  grief  opprest,  and  prostrate  in  the  dust, 

Shouldst  Thou  condemn,  I  own  thy  sentence  just. 

But  oh !  Thy  softer  titles  let  me  claim, 

And  plead  my  cause  by  Mercy  s  gentle  name. 

Mercy,  that  wipes  the  penitential  tear, 

And  dissipates  the  horrors  of  despair ; 

From  righteous  Justice  steals  the  vengeful  hour, 

Softens  the  dreadful  attributes  of  power, 

Disarms  the  wrath  of  an  offended  God, 

And  seals  my  pardon  in  a  Saviour's  blood. 

Mrs.  Carter. 

O,  Thou,  whose  piercing  thought 
Doth  note  each  secret  path, 

For  mercy  to  Thy  Throne  we  fly 
From  man's  condemning  wrath. 

How  fearless  should  our  trust 

In  thy  compassion  be, 
When  from  our  brother  of  the  dust 

We  dare  appeal  to  Thee.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 

Believe,  and  fear  not !  in  the  blackest  cloud 
A  sunbeam  hides  ;  and  from  the  deepest  pang, 
Some  hidden  mercy  may  a  God  declare  ! 

R.  Montgomery. 

By  all  the  tender  mercy 

God  hath  shown  to  human  grief, 
When  fate,  or  man's  perverseness, 

Denied  and  barr'd  relief, — 
By  the  helpless  woe  which  taught  me 

To  look  to  Him  alone, 
From  the  vain  appeals  for  justice 

And  wild  efforts  of  my  own, — 
By  thy  light — thou  unseen  future, 

And  thy  tears — thou  bitter  past, 
I  will  hope — though  all  forsake  me — 

In  His  Mercy  to  the  last !  Mrs.  Norton. 


MKECT.  38/ 


If  Heaven 
Did  in  the  balance  of  strict  justice  weigh. 
The  iniquity  of  men,  who  could  abide 
Its  judgment?    Did  not  merry  temper  wrath, 
Eternal  ruin  would  o'er  whelm  mankind. 

Samuel  Hayes. 
Mercy  descends 
From  heaven,  and  o'er  the  penitential  heart, 
Rent  by  the  agonizing  pains  of  guilt, 
Spreads  the  soft  blessings  of  internal  peace. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

Mankind  are  all  pilgrims  on  life's  weary  road, 

And  many  would  wander  astray 
In  seeking  eternity's  silent  abode, 

Did  Mercy  not  point  out  the  way.  G.   P.  Morris. 

I  hear  a  sound  that  comes  from  far  ; 

It  fills  my  soul  with  joy  and  love  ; 
Not  seraphs'  voices  sweeter  are, 

That  echo  through  the  courts  above. 
'T  is  mercy's  voice  that  strikes  my  ear, 

From  Calvary  it  sounds  abroad  ; 
It  soothes  my  soul  and  calms  my  fear ; 

It  speaks  of  pardon  bought  with  blood. 
And  is  it  true  that  many  fly 

The  sound  that  bids  my  soul  rejoice, 
And  rather  choose  with  fools  to  die, 

Than  turn  an  ear  to  mercy's  voice. 
With  such,  I  own,  I  once  appeared, 

But  now  I  know  how  great  their  loss  ; 
For  sweeter  sounds  were  never  heard, 

Than  mercy  utters  from  the  cross.  Kelly. 

Lord  have  mercy  when  we  strive 
To  save,  through  Thee,  our  souls  alive ! 
When  the  pampered  flesh  is  strong. 
When  the  strife  ie  fierce  and  long  ; 
When  our  wakening  thoughts  begin 
First  to  loathe  their  cherished  sin. 
And  our  weary  spirits  tail. 
And  our  aching  brows  are  pale, 

Oh,  then  have  mercy%  Lord  !     1L.  H.  Milman. 
*  2  c 


386  MESSAGE. 


MESSAGE, 

I  HAVE  a  message  from  God  unto  thee.— Judges,  iii.  '20. 

The  priest's  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  they  should  seek  the 
law  at  his  mouth :  for  he  is  the  messenger  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts. — 
Malachi,  ii.  7. 

Behold  I  will  send  my  messenger,  and  he  shall  prepare  the  way 
before  me. — Malachi,  iii.  1. 

This  is  the  message  that  ye  heard  from  the  beginning,  that  we 
should  love  one  another.— I.  John,  iii.  11. 

Gentty  hast  thou  told 
Thy  message,  which  might  else  in  telling  wound, 
And  in  performing  end  us.  Milton. 

O  for  a  message  from  above 

To  bear  my  spirit  up  ! 
Some  pledge  of  my  Creator's  love 
To  calm  my  terrors  and  support  my  hope ! 

Let  waves  and  thunders  mix  and  roar ; 
Be  thou  my  God,  and  the  whole  world  is  mine : 
While  thou  art  Sovereign,  I  'm  secure  ; 
I  shall  be  rich  till  Thou  art  poor; 
For  all  I  fear,  and  all  I  wish,  Heaven,  Earth,  and 

Hell,  are  thine.  Watts. 

Oh,  there  are  messengers  of  wrath, 

And  messengers  of  love  ; 
And  each  one  goeth  on  his  path, 

Commissioned  from  above. 

Eternal  justice  sends  the  one, 

Mercy  the  other  guides  ; 
Their  ways  at  times  so  nearly  run, 

That  scarce  a  line  divides. 

Which,  oh  my  soul !  shall  come  to  thee, 

When  my  last  hour  is  near  ? 
What  shall  the  awful  message  be, 

That  thou  shalt  trembling  hear? 

Momentous  question !  yet,  alas ! 

But  little  heed  I  pay, 
Although  I  see  the  messengers 

Speed  by  me  every  day.  Eg  one. 


MESSIAH.  387 


MESSIAH. 

KNOW  therefore  and  understand,  that  from  the  going  forth  of  the 
commandment  to  restore  and  to  build  Jerusalem  unto  the  Messiah 
the  Prince,  shall  be  seven  weeks,  and  threescore  and  two  weeks  :  the 
street  shall  be  built  again,  and  the  wall,  even  in  troublous  times. 

And  after  threescore  and  two  weeks  shall  Messiah  be  cut  off,  but 
not  for  himself. — Daniel,  ix.  '-'5,  26. 

We  have  found  the  Messias,  which  is,  being  interpreted,  the  Christ. 
—John,  i.  41. 

The  seas  shall  waste,  the  skies  in  smoke  decay, 
Rocks  fall  to  dust,  and  mountains  melt  away ; 
But,  fixed,  His  word,  His  saving  power  remains  ; 
Thy  realm  for  ever  lasts,  thy  own  Messiah  reigns. 

Pope. 
Messiah  comes  ! — Let  furious  discord  cease ; 
Be  peace  on  earth  before  the  Prince  of  Peace ! 
Disease  and  anguish  feel  His  blest  control, 
And  howling  fiends  release  the  tortured  soul ! 
The  beams  of  gladness  Hell's  dark  caves  illume, 
And  mercy  broods  above  the  distant  gloom. 

Bishop  Heber. 

Messiah  comes  !  ye  rugged  paths  be  plain ; 
The  Shiloh  comes,  ye  towering  cedars  bend ; 
Swell  forth  ye  valleys  ;  and,  ye  rocks  descend  j 
The  withered  branch  let  balmy  fruits  adorn, 
And  clustering  roses  twine  the  leafless  thorn ; 
Burst  forth,  ye  vocal  groves,  your  joy  to  tell — 
The  God  of  Peace  redeems  His  Israel. 

C.  H.  Johnson. 
Rising  from  His  cross  and  passion, 

Lo  !  the  King  Messiah  reigns  ; 
Lord !  the  strength  of  Thy  salvation 
His  triumphant  joy  sustains  ; 
Crowned  with  conquest 
Now  th'  eternal  throne  He  gains. 

Joy  and  triumph  crown  the  Saviour, 

Seated  on  the  throne  above ; 
There  exalted  in  Thy  favour, 

Safely  trusting  in  Thy  love  : 
King  of  Sion ! 

Never  shall  Thy  throne  remove  !  Goode. 


388 


MIND. 


THOU  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee  ; 
because  he  trusteth  in  thee. — Isaiah,  xxvi.  ;>. 

To  be  carnally  minded  is  death ;  but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life 
and  peace. 

Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God.— Romans,  viii.  6,  7« 

A  double-minded  man  is  unstable  in  all  his  ways. — James,  i.  S. 

Mylo,  forbear  to  call  him  blest, 

That  only  boasts  a  large  estate  : 
Should  all  the  treasures  of  the  west 

Meet,  and  conspire  to  make  him  great, — 
Should  a  broad  stream  with  golden  sands 

Through  all  his  meadows  roll, — 
He  's  but  a  wretch,  with  all  his  lands, 

That  wears  a  narrow  soul. 

Were  I  so  tall  as  reach  the  pole, 

Or  grasp  the  ocean  with  my  span, 
I  must  be  measured  by  my  soul : 

The  mind  's  the  standard  of  the  man.  Watts. 

When  coldness  wraps  this  suffering  clay, 
Ah,  whither  strays  the  immortal  mind  ? 

It  cannot  die,  it  cannot  stay, 

But  leaves  its  darken'd  dust  behind.  Byron. 

The  insate  mind,  but  from  without  supplied, 

Languishes  on  a  weak  imperfect  food  ; 
If  sustenance  more  spiritual  be  denied, 

With  flame  consuming  on  itself  't  will  brood. 

Sir  E.  Brydges. 

My  voice  proclaims 
How  exquisitely  the  individual  Mind 
(And  the  progressive  powers  perhaps  no  less 
Of  the  whole  species,)  to  the  External  world 
Is  fitted : — and  how  exquisitely  too — 
Theme  this  but  little  heard  of  among  men — 
The  External  world  is  fitted  to  the  Mind; 
And  the  Creation,  (by  no  lower  name 
Can  it  be  called,)  which  they  with  blended  might 
Accomplish — this  is  our  high  argument.      Wordsworth. 


MINISTEY.  389 


MINISTRY. 

YE  shall  be  named  the  Priests  of  the  Lord  :  men  shall  call  you  the 
minister*  of  our  God.— Isaiah,  lxi.  »;. 

We  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer,  and  to  the  ministry 
of  the  word.— Acts,  vi.  4. 

If  thou  put  the  brethren  in  remembrance  of  these  things,  thou  Shalt 
be  a  good  minister  of  Jesus  Christ. — I.  Timothy,  iv.  6. 

Their  ministry  performed,  and  race  well  run, 

Their  doctrine  and  their  story  written  left, 

They  die.  Mi/ton. 

From  essences  unseen,  celestial  names, 

Enlight'ning  spirits  and  ministerial  flames, 

Lift  we  our  reason  to  that  Sovereign  Cause, 

Who  blessed  the  whole  with  life.  Prior. 

God  gives  us  ministers  of  love, 

Which  we  regard  not,  being  near  ; 
Death  takes  them  from  us,  then  we  feel 

That  angels  have  been  with  us  here ! 

As  mother,  sister,  friend,  or  wife, 

They  guide  us,  cheer  us,  soothe  our  pain; 

And  when  the  grave  has  closed  between 
Our  heart  and  theirs,  we  love — in  vain. 

Aldrich. 

Oh,  thou  who  once  on  earth,  beneath  the  weight 

Of  our  mortality  did'st  live  and  move, 

The  incarnation  of  profoundest  love ; 
Who,  on  the  Cross,  that  love  didst  consumate, — 

Whose  deep  and  ample  fulness  could  embrace 

The  poorest,  meanest  of  our  fallen  race ! 
How  shall  we  e'er  that  boundless  debt  repay  ? — 

By  long,  loud  prayers  in  gorgeous  temples  said  ? 

By  rich  oblations  on  thine  altars  laid  ? — 
Ah  no !  not  thus  thou  didst  appoint  the  way. 

When  thou  wast  bowed  our  human  woe  beneath, 

Then  as  a  legacy  thou  didst  bequeath 
Earth's  sorrowing  children  to  our  ministry; 
Ajid  as  we  do  to  them,  we  do  to  thee. 

Anne  C.  Lynch. 


390  MIRACLES. 


MIRACLES. 

After  these  things  Jesus  went  over  the  sea  of  Galilee,  which  is  the 
sea  of  Tiberias. 

And  a  great  multitude  followed  him,  because  they  saw  his  miracle* 
which  he  did  on  them  that  were  diseased. — John,  vi.  1,  2. 

Jesus  of  Nazareth,  a  man  approved  of  God  among  you,  by  miracles, 
and  wonders,  and  signs. — Acts.  ii.  22. 

And  God  wrought  special  miracles  by  the  hands  of  Paul. 

So  that  from  his  body  were  brought  unto  the  sick  handkerchiefs  or 
aprons,  and  the  diseases  departed  from  them,  and  the  evil  spirits  went 
out  of  them.— Acts,  six.  11.  12. 

God  also  bearing  them  witness,  both  with  signs  and  wonders,  and 
with  divers  miracles. — Hebrews,  ii.  4. 

O,  what  a  scale  of  miracles  is  here — 

Its  lowest  round  high  planted  in  the  skies ; 

Its  towering  summit  lost,  beyond  the  thought 

Of  man  or  angel.  Young. 

A  miracle,  with  miracles  enclosed, 

Is  man  ;  and  starts  his  faith  at  what  is  strange  ? 

What  less  than  wonders  from  the  Wonderful; 

What  less  than  miracles,  from  God  can  flow  ? 

Admit  a  God — that  mystery  supreme, 

That  Cause  uncaused,  all  other  wonders  cease.     Young. 

Who  !  O,  who  shall  tell 
His  acts  miraculous  ?    When  His  own  decrees 
Repeals  He,  or  suspends  ;  when  by  the  hand 
Of  Moses  or  of  Joshua,  or  the  mouths 
Of  His  prophetic  seers,  such  deeds  He  wrought, 
Before  the  astonished  sun's  all-seeing  eye, 
That  faith  was  scarce  a  virtue.     Need  I  sing 
The  fate  of  Pharaoh,  and  his  numerous  band, 
Lost   in  the  reflux  of  the  watery  walls, 
Thai  melted  to  their  fluid  state  again  ? 
Need  I  .recount  how  Samson's  warlike  arm 
With  ihore  than  mortal  nerves  was  strung,  to  o'erthrow 
Idolatrous  Philistia  ?     Shall  I  tell 
How  David  triumphed,  and  what  Job  sustained? 
— But,  O  supreme,  unutterable  mercy ! 
O  love  unequalled,  mystery  immense, 
Which  angels  long  to  unfold!     'Tis  man's  redemption 
That  crowns  Thy  glory,  and  Thy  power  confirms. 

Smart. 


MIRACLES.  391 


When  God  came  down  from  Heaven,  the  Living  God, 
What  signs  and  wonders  marked  His  stately  way  ? 

Brake  out  the  winds  in  music  where  He  trode? 
Shone  o'er  the  heavens  a  brighter,  softer  day  ? 

The  dumb  began  to  speak,  the  blind  to  see, 
And  the  lame  leaped,  and  pain  and  darkness  fled ; 

The  mourner's  sunken  eye  grew  bright  with  glee, 
And  from  the  tomb  awoke  the  wondering  dead. 

E.  H.  Milman. 

"Come  forth  !"     He  cries,  "thou  dead!" 

O  God,  what  means  that  strange  and  sudden  sound. 
That  murmurs  from  the  tomb  ?     That  ghastly  head, 

With  funeral  fillets  bound  ? 
It  is  a  living  form — 

The  loved,  the  lost,  the  won, 
Won  from  the  grave,  corruption,  and  the  worm — 

"And  is  not  this  the  Son 
Of  God?"  they  whispered,  while  the  sisters  poured 
Their  gratitude  in  tears,  for  thej-  had  known  the  Lord. 

Dale. 

At  His  command  fled  fever,  thirsty  fiend, 
Whose  parching  fire  dries  up  the  wholesome  blood  : 
And  madness  wild,  whose  moon-struck  eye-balls  glare. 
With  steady  gaze,  on  vacancy  :  His  touch, 
With  healing  virtue,  from  the  withered  limbs 
Drove  nerveless  palsy,  that  with  fatal  stroke 
'Numbs  every  fibre,  grafting  death  on  life — 
Unnatural  union !     Scaly  leprosy. 
At  His  appearance,  vanished  :  dropsy,  swol'n, 
Withdrew  his  bloated  form,  and  each  confessed 
A  present  God.  William   Bolland. 

When  raging  winds 
Rushed  from  their  caverns,  and  resistless  >\\ept 
The  foaming  waves,  when  hideous  roared  the  >torm. 
As  if  the  wild  contending  elements 
Had  strove  for  mastery,  at  His  command 
The  tempest  ceased,  the  towering  billows  sunk 
In  undulations  calm,  and  zephyrs  played 
Upon  the  bosom  of  the  peaceful  deep. 

William  Bolland. 


392  MISERY. 


MISERY. 

THOU  shalt  forget  thy  misery,  and  remember  it  as  waters  that  pass 
away. — Job,  xi.  16. 

To  every  purpose  there  is  time  and  judgment,  therefore  the  misery 
of  man  is  great  upon  him. — Ecclesiastes,  viii.  6. 

Go  to  now,  ye  rich  men,  weep  and.howl  for  your  miseries  that  shall 
come  upon  you. — James,  v.  1. 

Till  in  our  eyes  another  sight  we  met ; 
When  fro  my  heart  a  sigh  forthwith  I  fet, 
Hueing,  alas,  upon  the  woeful  plight 
Of  Misery,  that  next  appear'd  in  sight. 

His  face  was  lean,  and  some  deal  pined  away, 
And  eke  his  hands  consumed  to  the  bone ; 
But,  what  his  body  was,  I  cannot  say, 
For,  on  his  carcase  raiment  had  he  none, 
Save  clouts  and  patched  pierced  one  by  one, 
-With  staff  in  hand,  and  scrip  on  shoulders  cast, 
His  chief  defence  against  the  winter's  blast. 

His  food,  for  most,  was  wild  fruits  of  the  tree, 
Unless  sometime  some  crumbs  fell  to  his  share, 
Which  in  his  wallet  long,  God  wot,  kept  he, 
As  on  the  which  full  daint'ly  would  he  fare  ; 
His  drink,  the  running  stream  !  his  cup,  the  bare 
Of  his  palm  closed  ;  his  bed,  the  hard  cold  ground, 
To  this  poor  life  was  Misery  ybound.  Sackville. 

I  do  believe  myself  the  creature, 
Subject,  and  soldier,  if  I  so  may  speak, 
Of  an  Almighty  Father,  King  and  Lord ; 
Before  whose  presence,  when  my  soul  shall  be 
Of  flesh  and  blood  disrobed,  I  shall  appear, 
There  to  remain  with  all  the  great  and  good 
That  e'er  have  lived  on  earth  ;  yea,  and  with  spirits, 
Higher  than  earth  e'er  owned,  in  such  pure  bliss 
As  human  hearts  conceive  not, — if  my  life, 
With  its  imperfect  virtue,  find  acceptance 
From  pard'ning  love  and  mercy ;  but  if  otherwise, — 
That  I  shall  pass  into  a  state  of  misery, 
With  souls  of  wicked  men  and  wrathful  demons. 

Joanna  Bail  lie- 


MISSIONARIES.  393 


MISSIONARIES. 

HOW  beautiful  upou  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that  bringeth 
pood  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace;  that  bringetta  good  tidings  of  good, 
that  publisheth  salvation  ;  that  saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reignethl— 
Isaiah,  lii.  7. 

This  gospel  of   the  kingdom  shall  be   preached  in  all  the  world  for 

a  witness  unto  all  nations:  and  then  shall  the  end  come. — Matthew, 
xxiv.  14. 

They  are  the  messengers  of   the  churches,  and  the  glory  of  Chri.-:. 
11.  Corinthians,  viiL  23. 

By  Heaven  directed,  by  the  world  reviled, 
Amidst  the  wilderness  they  sought  a  home, 
Where  beasts  of  prey  and  men  of  murder  roam, 
And  untamed  Nature  holds  her  revels  wild. 
There  on  their  pious  toil  their  Master  smiled, 
And  prospered  them,  unknown  or  scorned  of  men, 
Till  in  the  satyr's  haunt,  and  dragon's  den, 
A  garden  bloomed,  and  savage  hordes  grew  mild. 
So,  in  the  guilty  heart,  when  heavenly  grace 
Enters,  it  ceaseth  not  till  it  uproot 
All  evil  passions  from  each  hidden  cell ; 
Planting  again  an  Eden  in  their  place, 
Which  yields  to  men  and  angels  pleasant  fruit, 
And  God  Himself  delighteth  there  to  dwell. 

Priagh. 

Strange  scenes,  strange  men,  untold,  untried  distress; 
Pain,  hardships,  famine,  cold,  and  nakedness, 
Diseases  ;  death,  in  every  hideous  form, 
On  shore,  at  sea,  by  fire,  by  flood,  by  storm ; 
Wild  beasts,  and  wilder  men  : — unmoved  with  fear, 
Health,  comfort,  safety,  life  they  count  not  dear, 
May  they  but  hope  a  Saviour's  love  to  show, 
And  warn  one  spirit  from  eternal  woe : 
Nor  will  they  faint,  nor  can  they  strive  in  vain, 
Since  thus — to  live  is  Christ,  to  die  is  gain. 

James  Montgomery. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord. — My  Church,  to  thee, 

Peace,  like  a  river,  I  will  send ; 
The  Gentiles  in  a  stream  shall  see 

My  mercy,  flowing  without  end. 


394  MISSIONARIES. 

The  isles  that  never  heard  my  fame, 

Nor  knew  the  glory  of  my  might, 
They  shall  be  taught  to  fear  my  name 

Called  out  of  darkness  into  light. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  vows 

Prom  Sabbath  unto  Sabbath  day, 
From  moon  to  moon,  in  mine  own  house, 

All  nations,  tribes,  and  tongues,  shall  pay. 

James  Montgomery. 

Our  prayers  be  with  them — we  who  know 

The  value  of  a  soul  to  save, 
Must  pray  for  those  who  seek  to  show 

The  heathen,  hope  beyond  the  grave. 

Miss  Landon. 

Blessings  be  on  their  pathway,  and  increase ! 
These  are  the  moral  conquerors,  and  belong 
To  them  the  palm-branch  and  triumphal  song — 

Conquerors, — and  yet  the  harbingers  of  peace ! 

Miss  Landon. 

Great  Britain  has  her  sons,  both  frank  and  brave, 
Who  noble  triumphs  win,  but  wear  no  glave ! 
Sons  who  in  heart  are  firm,  in  toil  are  free, 
To  spread  her  glorious  name  from  sea  to  sea ! 
Men,  who  have  pushed  their  conquests  wide  and  far, 
And  changed  to  pruning-hooks  the  shafts  of  war ; 
Who  bear  no  glittering  arms,  no  banners  wave — 
Who  strike  no  blow — are  stricken  but  to  save ! 
Yet  still  they  conquer !  and  where  they  appear, 
The  painted  savage  breaks  his  poisoned  spear ; 
A  bloodless  triumph  follows  in  their  train — 
For  those  they  vanquish  feel  no  victor's  chain ! 
They  conquer ! — nor  like  other  conquerors  boast 
A  prostrate  people  and  a  plundered  coast — 
Nor  pant  to  hear  a  nation's  deafening  peals, 
With  captive  warriors  at  their  chariot  wheels — 
Nor  hang,  like  relics,  in  our  holiest  fane, 
The  flags  that  blush  with  war's  unhallowed  stains. — 
No,  theirs  are  triumphs  war  can  never  bring ! 
Theirs  are  the  pseans  guardian  seraphs  sing ! 
Their  noblest  banner  is  the  Book  of  Truth ! 
Their  trophies — age,  and  infancy,  and  youth ! 


MISSIONARIES.  395 


'T  is  theirs  to  free — ©xalt — and  not  debase — 
The  painted  brothers  of  our  common  race  ! 
Nor  stripe — nor  tribute — nor  oppressive  sway 
Degrade  their  labours,  or  obstruct  their  way  ! 
Their  watchword  still — Let  war  and  sorrow  cease  ! 
Their  noblest  epithet — The  men  of  peace ! 

Dr.  W.  Beattie. 

He  goes  to  speak  the  words  of  life 

To  souls  by  error  tossed  : 
And  bear  the  gospel's  joyful  sound 

To  lands  in  darkness  lost — 
To  speak  his  Master's  glorious  works. 

His  grace  and  power  proclaim, 
And  teach  untutored  savages 

To  breathe  Messiah's  name. 

And  O,  the  rich  reward  that  waits 

A  work  of  grace  like  this ! 
A  life  of  love,  a  death  of  peace, 

A  Heaven  of  endless  bliss  ! 
Earth's  proudest,  noblest  honours,  fall 

Far,  far  below  the  prize 
He  gains,  who  claims  this  work  his  own — 

His  glory  never  dies !  S.  D.  Patterson. 

O,  bless  the  pious  zeal 
And  crown  with  glad  success  the  labouring  sons 
Of  that  best  charity,  whose  annual  mite 
Sends  forth  Thy  gospel  to  the  distant  isles ! 
So  shall  the  nations,  rescued  myriads,  hear, 
And  own  Thy  mercy  over  all  Thy  works  ! 
So,  from  each  corner  of  the  enlightened  earth, 
Incessant  peals  of  universal  joy 
Shall  hail  Thee,  heavenly  Father,  God  of  all ! 

Madan. 

Where  is  your  heathen  brother  ? — From  his  grave 
Near  thy  own  gates,  or  'neath  a  foreign  sky, 

From  the  thronged  depths  of  ocean's  mourning  wave, 
His  answering  blood  reproachfully  doth  cry, 

Blood  of  the  soul ! — Can  all  earth's  fountains  make 

Thy  dark  stain  disappear? — Stewards  of  God,  awake! 

Mrs.  Sigourmy. 


MOMENT. 


MOMENT— MINUTE. 

In  a  moment  shall  they  die,  and  the  people  shall  be  troubled  at 
midnight,  and  pass  away.— Job,  xxxiv.  20. 

Come,  my  people,  enter  thou  into  thy  chambers,  and  shut  thy  doors 
about  thee :  hide  thyself  as  it  were  for  a  little  moment,  until  the 
indignation  be  overpast.— Isaiah,  xxvi.  20. 

"Minutes  are  number'd  by  the  fall  of  sands, 

As  by  an  hour-glass  ;  the  span  of  time 

Doth  waste  us  to  our  graves  and  we  look  on  it. 

An  age  of  pleasures,  revell'd  out,  comes  home 

At  last,  and  ends  in  sorrow ;  but  the  life, 

Weary  of  riot,  numbers  every  sand, 

Waiting  in  sighs,  until  the  last  drop  down  ; 

So  to  conclude  calamity  in  rest.  Ford. 

Catch,  then,  O  catch  the  transient  hour, 

Improve  each  moment  as  it  flies  ; 
Life  's  a  short  summer, — man  a  flower  ; 

He  dies — alas  !  how  soon  he  dies  ! 

Br.  Johnson. 

Hark  !    What  petty  pulses,  beating, 

Spring  new  moments  into  light ; 
Every  pulse,  its  stroke  repeating, 

Sends  its  moment  back  to  night; 
Yet  not  one  of  all  the  train 
Comes  uncall'd,  or  flits  in  vain. 

In  the  highest  realms  of  glory 

Spirits  trace,  before  the  throne, 
On  eternal  scrolls,  the  story 

Of  each  little  moment  flown  ; 
Every  deed,  and  word,  and  thought, 
Through  the  whole  creation  wrought. 

Were  the  volume  of  a  minute 

Thus  to  mortal  sight  unroll' d, 
More  of  sin  and  sorrow  in  it, 

More  of  man,  might  we  behold, 
Than  on  history's  broadest  page 

In  the  reliques  of  an  age. 

James  Montgomery. 


MORNING.  397 


MORNING. 

.MV  voice  shalt  Thou  hear  in  the  morning,  0  Lord;  En  the  morning 
will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  Thee,  and  will  look  op.— Psalm  v.  J. 

My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  more  than  they  that  watch  for  the 
morning:  I  say,  more  than  they  that  watch  for  the  morning.  Psalm 
cx\x.  »;. 

Behold  the  day,  behold  it  is  come:  the  morning  is  pine  forth. — 
Ezekial,  vii.  10. 

Seek  Him  that  maketh  the  seven  stars  and  Orion,  and  turneth  the 
shadow  of  death  into  the  morning,  and  maketh  the  day  dark  with 
night.— Amos,  v.  8. 

When  first  thy  eyes  unveil,  give  thy  soul  leave 

To  do  the  like  ;  our  bodies  but  forerun 
The  spirit's  duty  ;  true  hearts  spread  and  heave 

Unto  their  God,  as  flowers  do  the  sun : 
Give  Him  thy  first  thoughts  then,  so  shalt  thou  keep 
Him  company  all  day.  and  in  Him  sleep. 

Yet  never  sleep  the  sun  up  ;  prayer  should 
Dawn  with  the  day.  there  are  set  awful  hours 

'Twixt  Heaven  and  us  ;  the  manna  was  not  good 
After  sun-rising,  for  day  sullies  flowers. 

Eise  to  prevent  the  sun  ;  sleep  doth  sins  glut, 

And  Heaven's  gate  opens  when  the  world's  is  shut. 

Walk  with  thy  fellow-creatures ;  note  the  hush 
And  whisperings  amongst  them.     Not  a  spring 

Or  leaf  but  hath  his  morning  hymn  ;  each  bush 
And  oak  doth  know  I  Am — canst  thou  not  sing? 

O  leave  thy  cares  and  follies !     Go  this  way, 

And  thou  art  sure  to  prosper  all  the  day. 

Mornings  are  mysteries  :  the  first  world's  youth, 
Man's  resurrection,  and  the  future's  bud. 

Shroud  in  their  births  ;  the  crown  of  life,  light,  truth, 
Is  styled  their  star  ;  the  stone  and  hidden  food : 

Three  blessings  wait  upon  them,  one  of  which 

Should  move — They  make  us  holy,  happy,  rich. 

Henry   Vaughan. 

Again  the  Lord  of  life  and  light 

Awakes  the  kindling  ray, 
Unseals  the  eyelids  of  the  worn. 

And  pours  increasing  day. 


MOKNING. 


O,  what  a  night  was  that  which  wrapp'd 

The  heathen  world  in  gloom  ! 
O,  what  a  sun  which  broke  this  day 

Triumphant  from  the  tomb  ! 

This  day  be  grateful  homage  paid, 

And  loud  Hosannah's  sung  ; 
Let  gladness  dwell  on  every  heart, 

And  praise  on  every  tongue. 

Then  thousand  different  lips  shall  join 

To  hail  this  happy  morn  ; 
Which  scatters  blessings  from  its  wings 

On  nations  yet  unborn.  Barbauld. 

Through  the  vales  the  breezes  sigh ; 
Twilight  opes  her  bashful  eye, 
Peeping  from  the  east,  she  brings 
Dew-drops  on  her  dusky  wings  : 
And  the  lark,  with  wak'ning  lay, 
Upsprings,  the  harbinger  of  day. 

Now  behold  !  the  blushing  sky 
Tells  the  bridegroom  sun  is  nigh  ; 
Nature  tunes  her  joyful  lyre, 
And  the  trembling  stars  retire, 
Him  the  east,  in  crimson  drest, 
Ushers,  nature's  welcome  guest, 
And  the  mountains  of  the  west 
Seem  to  lift  their  azure  heads, 
Jealous  of  the  smile  he  sheds. 

Glory,  beaming  from  on  high, 

Charms  devotion's  lifted  eye ; 

Bliss,  to  which  sluggards  ne'er  were  born, 

Waits  the  attendant  of  the  morn. 

Maria  Colling. 

The  morning  breaks, 
And  earth  in  her  Maker's  smile  awakes  ; 
His  light  is  on  all,  below  and  above, 
The  light  of  gladness,  and  life,  and  love. 
O,  then,  on  the  breath  of  this  early  air, 
Send  up  the  incense  of  grateful  prayer ! 

Henry  Ware,  Jun. 


MOBNING.  399 


The  God  of  mercy  walks  His  round 

From  day  to  day,  from  year  to  year, 
And  warns  us  each  with  awful  sound, 

•-Xo  longer  stand  ye  idle  here." 

Ye,  whose  young  cheeks  are  rosy  bright, 
Whose  hands  are  strong,  whose  hearts  are  clear, 

Waste  not  of  youth  the  morning  light, 
Oh  fools,  why  stand  ye  idle  here  ? 

And  ye,  whose  scanty  locks  of  grey 

Foretel  your  latest  travail  near, 
How  fast  declines  your  useless  day, 

And  stand  ye  yet  so  idle  here  ? 

One  hour  remains,  there  is  but  one, 

But  many  a  grief  and  many  a  tear, 
Through  endless  ages,  must  atone 

For  moments  lost  and  wasted  here.  Heber. 

Serve  God  at  morn,  that  solemn  hallowed  hour, 
When  Mature  wakes,  as  from  the  sleep  of  death, 
When  the  glad  song  from  mountain,  grove,  and  bower, 
Is  heard  through  heaven  and  on  the  earth  beneath. 
Serve   God !     Let   Him   receive   thy   morning's   early 
breath.  Weir. 

Morn  is  the  time  to  think, 

While  thoughts  are  fresh  and  free, 
Of  life,  just  balanced  on  the  brink 

Of  vast  eternity  ! 
To  ask  our  souls  if  they  are  meet 
To  stand  before  the  judgment  seat.        Miss  Gray. 

New,  every  morning,  is  the  love 
Our  wakening  and  uprising  prove  ; 
Through  sleep  and  darkness  safely  brought, 
Kestored  to  life,  and  power,  and  thought. 

New  mercies  each  returning  day, 

Hover  around  us  while  we  pray  ; 

2sew  perils  past,  new  sins  forgiven, 

2s'ew  thoughts  of  God,  new  hopes  of  Heaven. 

Keble. 


400 


MOSES. 


So  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Loi-d,  died  there  in  the  land  of  Moab. 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

And  He  buried  him  in  a  valley  in  the  land  of  Moab,  over  against 
Beth-peor:  but  no  man  knoweth  of  his  sepulchre  unto  this  day.— 
Deuteronomy,  xxxiv.  5,  6. 

By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be  called 
the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter; 

Choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to 
enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season ; 

Esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ  greater  riches  than  the  treasures 
in  Egypt ;  for  he  had  respect  unto  the  recompense  of  the  reward.— 
Hebrews,  xi.  24,  25,  26. 

Slow  glides  the  Xile;  amid  the  margin  flags, 
Closed  in  a  bulrush  ark,  the  babe  is  left ; 
Left  by  a  mother's  hand.     His  sister  waits 
Far  off;  and  pale,  'tween  hope  and  fear,  beholds 
The  royal  maid,  surrounded  by  her  train, 
Approach  the  river  bank  ;  approach  the  spot 
Where  sleeps  the  innocent :  she  sees  them  stoop 
With  meeting  plumes  ;  thy  rushy  lid  is  ope'd, 
And  wakes  the  infant  smiling  in  his  tears. 

Grahame. 
The  son  of  Amram  spurns  the  regal  prize, 
From  the  rich  scene  the  zealous  hero  flies, 
And  dwells  'mongst  Israel's  sons.     Resigned  he  bears 
The  servile  yoke,  and  every  burden  shares  ; 
Hather  than  violate  Jehovah's  trust, 
And  live  the  pampered  slave  of  sordid  lust, 
He  quits  the  Egyptian  court,  and,  undismayed, 
Seeks  poverty's  inhospitable  shade.  Samuel  Hayes. 

In  his  hand 
The    rod  which    blasted,    with    strange    plagues,    the 

realm 
Of  Mizraim,  and  from  its  time-worn  channels 
Upturned  the  Arabian  Sea.     Fair  was  his  broad 
High  front,  and  forth  from  his  soul-piercing  eye, 
Did  legislation  look.  Hillhouse. 

On  the  Mount 
Of  Sinai,  whose  foundations  shook,  whose  top 
Was  lost  in  smoke  and  fire,  while  seraphim 


MOSES.  401 


At  distance  gazed,  full  forty  days  and  nights, 

Guest  of  terrestrial  mould,  did  he  sojourn 

"Within  the  dread  pavilion,  and  the  veil 

Of  cloud  and  tempest;  there  as  face  to  face, 

In  visions  of  beatitude  rejoiced 

Past  utterance,  till  his  countenance  imbibed 

Transcendent  splendours.  Charles  Huyle. 

Moses,  the  patriot  fierce,  became 

The  meekest  man  on  earth. 
To  show  us  how  love's  quickening  flame 

Can  give  our  souls  new  birth. 

Moses,  the  man  of  meekest  heart, 

Lost  Canaan  by  self-will, 
To  show,  where  Grace  has  done  its  part, 

How  sin  defiles  us  still.  Lyra  Apostolica. 

Sweet  was  the  journey  to  the  sky 

The  holy  prophet  tried; 
"Climb  up  the  mount,"  said  God,  "and  die" — 

The  prophet  climbed,  and  died. 

Softly  his  fainting  head  he  lay 

Upon  his  Maker's  breast ; 
His  Maker  soothed  his  soul  away, 

And  laid  his  flesh  to  rest. 

In  God's  own  arms  he  left  the  breath 

That  God's  own  Spirit  gave  ; 
His  was  the  noblest  road  to  death, 

And  his  the  sweetest  grave.  Watts. 

God  made  his  grave,  to  men  unknown, 

Where  Moab's  rocks  a  vale  infold; 
And  laid  the  aged  seer  alone, 

To  slumber  while  the  world  grows  old. 
Thus  still,  where'er  the  good  and  just 

Close  the  dim  eye  on  life  and  pain. 
Heaven  watches  o'er  their  sleeping  dust, 

Till  the  pure  spirit  comes  again. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 

*  2d 


402  MOTHER. 


MOTHER. 

He  maketh  the  ban-en  woman  to  keep  house,  and  to  be  a  joyful 
mother  of  children.    Praise  ye  the  Lord. — Psalm  cxiii.  9. 

Despise  not  thy  mother  when  she  is  old.— Proverbs,  xxiii.  22. 

Now  there  stood  by  the  cross  of  Jesus  his  mother,  and  his  mother's 
sister,  Mary  the  wife  of  Cleophas,  and  Mary  Magdalene. 

When  Jesus  therefore  saw  his  mother,  and  the  disciple  standing  by, 
whom  he  loved,  he  saith   unto  Ms  mother,  Woman,  behold  thy  son! 

Then  saith  he  to  the  disciple,  Behold  thy  mother!  And  from  that 
hour  that  disciple  took  her  into  his  own  home.— John,  xix.  25,  26. 
27. 

Her  pious  love  excelled  to  all  she  bore ; 

New  objects  only  multiplied  it  more  ; 

And  as  the  chosen  found  the  pearly  grain 

As  much  as  every  vessel  could  contain  : 

As  in  the  blissful  vision,  each  shall  share, 

As  much  of  glory  as  his  soul  can  bear, 

So  did  she  love,  and  so  dispense  her  care.  Dryden. 

But  when  I  go 
To  my  lone  bed,  I  find  no  mother  there ; 
And  weeping  kneel,  to  say  the  prayer  she  taught ; 
Or  when  I  read  the  Bible  that  she  loved, 
Or  to  her  vacant  seat  at  church  draw  near, 
And  think  of  her,  a  voice  is  in  my  heart, 
Bidding  me  early  seek  my  God,  and  love 
My  Blessed  Saviour ;  and  that  voice  is  her's, 
I  know  it  is,  because  these  were  the  words 
She  used  to  speak  so  tenderly,  with  tears, 
At  the  still  twilight  hour, — or  when  we  walked 
Forth  in  the  Spring,  among  rejoicing  birds, 
Or  peaceful  talked  beside  the  Winter  hearth. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 
But  if  in  yon  immortal  clime, 

Where  flows  no  parting  tear, 
That  root  of  earthly  love  may  grow, 

Which  struck  so  deeply  here; 
With  what  a  tide  of  boundless  bliss, 

A  thrill  of  rapture  wild, 
An  angel  mother  in  the  skies, 
Will  greet  her  cherub  child. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 


MOTHER.  403 

And  say  to  mothers  what  a  holy  charge 
Is  theirs — with  what  a  kingly  power  their  love 
Might  rule  the  fountains  of  the  new-born  mind. 
Warn  them  to  wake  at  early  dawn,  and  sow 
Good  seed  before  the  world  has  sown  its  tares. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 

Hast  thou  sounded  the  depths  of  yonder  sea, 
And  counted  the  sands  that  under  it  be  ? 
Hast  thou  measured  the  height  of  heaven  above  ? 
Then  may'st  thou  mete  out  a  mother  s  love. 

Hast  thou  talked  with  the  blessed  of  leading  on 
To  the  throne  of  God  some  wandering  son  ? 
Hast  thou  witnessed  the  angel's  bright  employ  ? 
Then  may'st  thou  speak  of  a  mother  s  joy. 

Evening  and  morn  hast  thou  watched  the  bee 
Go  forth  on  her  errands  of  industry, 
The  bee  for  himself  hath  gathered  and  toiled, 
But  the  mother  s  cares  are  all  for  her  child. 

Hast  thou  gone  with  the  traveller  Thought  afar — 
From  pole  to  pole,  and  from  star  to  star  ? 
Thou  hast — but  on  ocean,  earth,  and  sea, 
The  heart  of  a  mother  has  gone  with  thee. 

There  is  not  a  grand,  inspiring  thought, 
There  is  not  a  truth  by  wisdom  taught, 
There  is  not  a  feeling  pure  and  high, 
That  may  not  be  read  in  a  mother  s  eye. 

And  ever,  since  earth  began,  that  look 
Has  been  to  the  wise  an  open  book, 
To  win  them  back  from  the  lore  they  prize, 
To  the  holier  love  that  edifies. 

There  are  teachings  in  earth,  and  sky,  and  air, 
The  heavens  the  glory  of  God  declare; 
But  louder  than  voice,  beneath,  above, 
He  is  heard  to  speak  through  a  mother  s  love. 

Emily  Taylor. 

The  mother  s  love — there's  none  so  pure, 

So  constant,  and  so  kind, 
No  human  passion  doth  endure 

Like  this  within  the  mind.  Mrs.  Hale. 


404  MOTHER. 


Lo !  where  yon  cottage  whitens  through  the  green, 
The  loveliest  feature  of  a  matchless  scene; 
Beneath  its  shading  elm,  with  pious  fear, 
An  aged  mother  draws  her  children  near ; 
While  from  the  Holy  Word,  with  earnest  air, 
She  teaches  them  the  privilege  of  prayer. 
Look !  How  their  infant  eyes  with  rapture  speak  ; 
Mark  the  flushed  lily  on  the  dimpled  cheek ; 
Their  hearts  are  filled  with  gratitude  and  love, 
Their  hopes  are  centred  in  a  world  above, 
Where,  in  a  choir  of  angels,  Faith  portrays 
The  loved,  departed,  father  of  their  days. 

Rufus  Dawes. 

By  thee,  dear  Mother,  o'er  whose  darksome  bed 
Summer  now  pours  his  beams  in  vain — by  thee 
Gladly  my  infant  love  of  flowers  was  fed ; 

By  thee  my  steps  through  flow'ry  tracts  were  led. 
Where  ne'er  mine  eye  could  aught  but  beauty  see ; 
Throughout  our  home  exotics  perfume  shed, 
In  sooth,  it  was  fair  Flora's  treasury ! 

Thy  love,  and  use  of  heaven's  blest  means  of  grace, 
Faith  bids  me  trust,  have  placed  thee  with  thy  God, 
Where  flowers  unfading  deck  the  lovely  place. 

Oh,  when  I  've  closed  my  toilsome  earthly  race, 
With  thee  may  those  bright  scenes  by  me  be  trod, 
With  thee  may  I  behold  th'  eternal  face. 

William  Pulling. 
A  mother's  love 

Is  an  undying  feeling.     Earth  may  chill 
And  sever  other  sympathies,  and  prove 

How  weak  all  human  bonds  are  ;  it  may  kill 
Friendships,  and  crush  hearts  with  them — but  the  thrill 

Of  the  maternal  breast  must  ever  move 
In  blest  communion  with  her  child,  and  fill 

Even  Heaven  itself  with  prayers  and  hymns  of  love. 

S.  D.  Patterson. 

I  see  my  mother's  calm,  sad  face 

Look  through  the  mist  of  by-gone  years  ; 

And  from  yon  high  and  holy  place, 
Her  accents  come  unto  mine  ears, 
To  bid  me  hope  amid  my  fears.  Egone. 


MOUNTAIN.  405 


MOUNTAIN. 

As  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round 
about  his  people  from  henceforth  even  for  ever.— Psalm  cxxv.  2. 

It  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  that  the  mountain  of  the 
Lord's  house  shall  be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and 
shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills ;  and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it. — 
Isaiah,  ii.  2. 

Once  more,  hoar  mount !  with  thy  sky-pointing  peak, 

Oft  from  whose  feet  the  avalanche,  unheard, 

Shoots  downward,  glittering  through  the  pine  serene, 

Into  the  depths  of  clouds  that  veil  thy  breast — 

Thou  too  again  stupendous  mountain  !  thou 

That,  as  I  raise  my  head,  awhile  bow'd  low 

In  adoration,  upward  from  thy  base 

Slow-travelling  with  dim  eyes  suffused  with  tears, 

Solemnly  seemest,  like  a  vapoury  cloud, 

To  rise  before  me — rise,  O  ever  rise, 

Rise  like  a  cloud  of  incense  from  the  earth ! 

Thou  kingly  spirit  throned  amongst  the  hills. 

Thou  dread  ambassador  from  earth  to  heaven, 

Great  Hierarch  !   tell  thou  the  silent  sky, 

And  tell  the  stars,  and  tell  yon  rising  sun, 

Earth,  with  her  thousand  voices,  praises  God. 

Coleridge. 

Behold!  the  mountain  of  the  Lord 
In  later  days  shall  rise 

On  mountain  tops  above  the  hills, 
And  draw  the  wondering  eyes  : 

To  this  the  joyful  nations  round, 

All  tribes  and  tongues  shall  flow  ; 
"Up  to  the  hill  of  God,"  they  '11  say, 

And  to  his  house  we  '11  go. 

The  beam  that  shines  from  Zion's  hill, 

Shall  lighten  every  land  ; 
The  King  who  reigns  in  Salem's  towers, 

Shall  all  the  world  command.  Logan. 

Calvary's  mournful  mountain  climb  ; 

There,  adoring  at  His  feet, 
Mark  that  miracle  of  time, 

God's  own  sacrifice  complete.       J.  Montgomery. 


406  MOTJENING. 


MOURNING. 

I  AM  troubled ;  I  am  bowed  down  greatly ;  I  go  mourning  all  the 
day  long. — Psalm  xxxyiii.  6. 

Thy  sun  shall  no  more  go  down ;  neither  shall  thy  moon  withdraw 
itself  :  for  the  Lord  shall  be  thine  everlasting  light,  and  the  day?  of 
thy  mourning  shall  be  ended. — Isaiah,  lx.  20. 

Blessed  are  they  that  mourn :  for  they  shall  be  comforted.  — ilatthew, 
v.  4. 

O  man  !  while  in  thy  early  years, 

How  prodigal  of  time ! 
Misspending  all  thy  precious  hours, 

Thy  glorious  youthful  prime ! 
Alternate  follies  take  the  sway ; 

Licentious  passions  burn ; 
Which  tenfold  force  gives  nature's  law. 

That  man  was  made  to  mourn. 

Many  and  sharp  the  num'rous  ills 

Inwoven  with  our  fame  ! 
More  pointed  still  we  make  ourselves, 

Regret,  remorse,  and  shame ! 
And  man,  whose  heaven-erected  face 

The  smiles  of  love  adorn, 
Man's  inhumanity  to  man 

Makes  countless  thousands  mourn. 

See  yonder  poor,  o'erlabour'd  wight ; 

So  abject,  mean,  and  vile, 
Who  begs  a  brother  of  the  earth 

To  give  him  leave  to  toil ; 
And  see  his  lordly  fellow-worm 

The  poor  petition  spurn. 
Unmindful  tho'  a  weeping  wife 

And  helpless  offspring  mourn. 

Yet  let  not  this  too  much,  my  son, 

Disturb  thy  youthful  breast ; 
This  partial  view  of  human  kind 

Is  surely  not  the  best ! 
The  poor,  oppressed,  honest  man, 

Had  never,  sure,  been  born, 
Had  there  not  been  some  recompense 

To  comfort  those  that  mourn.  Bums. 


MOURNING.  1<»7 


God  of  my  life,  to  thee  I  call. 
Afflicted  at  Thy  feet  I  fall  ; 
When  the  great  waterfloods  prevail. 
Leave  not  my  trembling  heart  to  fail ! 

Did  ever  mourner  plead  svitli  Thee, 

And  Thon  refuse  that  mourner's  plea  P 

Does  not  Thy  word  still  fix'd  remain, 

That  none  shall  seek  Thy  face  in  vain  P  Oowper. 

We  mourn  for  those  who  toil. 

The  slave  who  ploughs  the  main, 
Or  him  who  hopeless  tills  the  soil 

Beneath  the  stripe  and  chain  ; 
For  those  who  in  the  world's  hard  race. 

O'erwearied  and  unblest, 
A  host  of  restless  phantoms  chase, — 

Wrhy  mourn  for  those  who  rest? 

We  mourn  for  those  who  sin, 

Bound  in  the  tempter's  snare, 
Whom  syren  pleasure  beckons  in 

To  prisons  of  despair. 
Whose  hearts,  by  whirlwind  passions  torn. 

Are  wrecked  on  folly's  shore, — 
But  why  in  sorrow  should  we  mourn 

For  those  who  sin  no  more  ? 

We  mourn  for  those  who  weep, 

Whom  stern  afflictions  bend 
With  anguish  o'er  the  lowly  sleep 

Of  lover  or  of  friend  ; — 
But  they  to  whom  the  sway 

Of  pain  and  grief  is  o'er, 
Whose  tears  our  God  hath  wiped  away 

Oh  !  mourn  for  them  no  more  ! 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 

When  mourning  o'er  some  stone  I  bend. 
Which  covers  all  that  was  a  friend ; 
Ami  from  his  voice,  his  hand,  his  smile, 
Divides  me  for  a  little  while  ; 
Thou,  Saviour,  mark'st  the  tears  I  shed. 
For  Thou  didst  weep  o'er  Lazarus  dead. 

R.  Grant. 


408  MURDER. 


MURDER. 

JESUS  said,  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder. — Matthew,  xix.  18. 

Whosoever  hateth   his   brother,  is   a  murderer;  and  ye  know  that 
no  murderer  hath  eternal  life  abiding  in  him. — I.  John.  hi.  15. 

The  great  King  of  kings 
Hath  in  the  table  of  His  law  commanded 
That  thon  shalt  do  no  murder  ;  wilt  thou  then 
Spurn  at  His  edict,  and  fulfil  a  man's  ?  Shakspere. 

Other  sins  only  speak;  murder  shrieks  out. 

The  element  of  water  moistens  the  earth, 

But  blood  mounts  upwards.  John  Webster. 

Silently,  swift  as  the  lightning's  blast, 

A  hand  of  fire  across  his  temples  passed ; 

He  ran,  as  in  the  terror  of  a  dream, 

To  quench  his  burning  anguish  in  the  stream  ; 

But,  bending  o'er  the  brink,  the  swelling  wave 

Back  to  his  eye  the  branded  visage  gave ; 

As  soon  on  murdered  Abel  durst  he  look : 

Yet  power  to  fly  his  palsied  limbs  forsook ; 

There  turned  to  stone,  for  his  presumptuous  crime, 

A  monument  of  wrath  to  latest  time, 

Might  Cain  have  stood  ;  but  mercy  raised  his  head 

In  prayer  for  help, — his  strength  returned,  he  fled. 

James  Montgomery. 
The  murderer  has  no  past 
But  one  eternal  present.  T.  X.  Talfourd. 

He  told  how  murderers  walked  the  earth 

Beneath  the  curse  of  Cain  ; 
With  crimson  clouds  before  their  eyes, 

And  flames  about  their  brain  : 
For  blood  has  left  upon  their  souls 

Its  everlasting  stain  !  Thomas  Hood. 

Lo,  on  the  everlasting  stone  engraved, 

"No  murder  shalt  thou  do."     From  God  to  man 

The  solemn  law  came  down :  by  specious  gloss 

Of  subtle  learning,  seek  not  to  evade 

The  great  command.  Samuel  Hayes. 


409 


MUSIC. 

SING  unto  Him  a  new  song  ;  play  skilfully  with  a  loud  noise. — 
Psalm  xxxiii.  ::. 

Praise  Him  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet :  praise  Him  with  the 
psaltery  and  harp.— Psalm  cl.  3. 

Cornet,  flute,  harp,  sackbnt.  psaltery,  dulcimer,  and  all  kinds  of 
music. — Daniel,  iii.  5. 

That  chant  to  the  sound  of  the  viol,  and  invent  to  themselves 
instruments  of  music  like  David. — Amos,  vi.  5. 

How  sour  sweet  music  is 
When  time  is  broke,  and  no  proportion  kept ! 
So  is  it  in  the  music  of  men's  lives.  Shakspere. 

There  let  the  pealing  organ  blow, 

To  the  full-voiced  choir  below, 

In  service  high,  and  anthems  clear, 

As  may  with  sweetness  through  mine  ear 

Dissolve  me  into  ecstacies, 

And  bring  all  Heaven  before  mine  eyes. 

Milton. 

The  church  triumphant,  and  the  church  below, 

In  songs  of  praise  their  present  union  show; 

Their  joys  are  full ;  our  expectation  long, 

In  life  we  differ,  but  we  join  the  song. 

Angels  and  we,  assisted  by  this  art, 

May  sing  together,  though  we  dwell  apart.  Waller. 

Hark  !  the  organs  blow 
Their  swelling  notes  'round  the  cathedral's  dome, 
And  grace  the  harmonious  choir,  celestial  feast 
To  pious  ears,  and  med'eine  of  the  mind ! 
The  thrilling  trebles,  and  the  manly  base, 
Join  in  accordance  meet,  and  with  one  voice 
All  to  the  sacred  subject  suit  their  song ; 
While  in  each  breast  sweet  melancholy  reigns, 
Angelically  pensive,  till  the  joy 
Improves  and  purines.  Smart. 

Born  on  the  swelling  notes,  our  soul  aspire, 

While  solemn  airs  improve  the  sacred  nre, 

And  angels  lean  from  Heaven  to  hear.  Pope. 


410  MUSIC. 

Should  the  well-meant  songs  I  leave  behind, 
With  Jesus'  lovers  an  acceptance  find, 
'Twill  heighten  even  the  joys  of  Heaven,  to  know 
That  in  my  verse  the  saints  hymn  God  below. 

Bishop  Ken. 
The  song  of  Zion  is  a  tasteless  thing, 
Unless  when  rising  on  a  joyful  wing, 
The  soul  can  mix  with  the  celestial  bands, 
And  give  the  strain  the  compass  it  demands. 

Cowper. 
How  shall  the  harp  of  poesy  regain 

That  old  victorious  tone  of  prophet-years — 
A  spell  divine  o'er  guilt's  perturbing  fears, 
And  all  the  hovering  shadows  of  the  brain  ? 
Dark,  evil  wings  took  flight  before  the  strain, 
And  showers  of  holy  quiet,  with  its  fall, 
Sank  on  the  soul : — O.  who  may  now  recall 
The  mighty  music  s  consecrated  reign  ? — 
Spirit  of  God !  whose  glory  once  o'erhung 
A  throne,  the  Ark's  dread  cherubim  between, 
So  let  Thy  presence  brood,  though  now  unseen, 
O'er  those  two  powers  by  whom  the  harp  is  strung — 
Feeling  and  thought ! — till  the  rekindled  chords 
Give  the  long-buried  tone  back  to  immortal  words. 

Mrs.  He  mans. 

O,  surely  melody  from  Heaven  was  sent 
To  cheer  the  soul,  when  tired  with  human  strife, 
To  soothe  the  wayward  heart  by  sorrow  rent, 
And  soften  down  the  rugged  road  of  life. 

Kirke  White. 

O,  what  a  gentle  ministrant  is  music 

To  piety — to  mild,  to  penitent  piety  ! 

O,  it  gives  plumage  to  the  tardy  prayer 

That  lingers  in  our  lazy,  earthly  air, 

And  melts  with  it  to  Heaven.  H.  H.  Milman. 

Music,  the  tender  child  of  rudest  times, 
The  gentle  native  of  all  lands  and  climes  ; 
Who  hymns  alike  man's  cradle  and  his  grave, 
Lulls  the  low  cot,  or  peals  along  the  nave. 

Mrs.  Norton. 


MUSIC.  411 


'Tis  He  that  taught  the  lark,  from  earth  upspringing, 

To  warble  forth  his  matin  strain  ; 
And  the  pure  stream,  in  liquid  gushes  singing. 

Gladly  to  bless  the  thirsty  plain  ; 
And  from  the  laden  bee,  when  homeward  winging 
Its  tuneful  flight  doth  not  disdain, 
To  hear  the  song  of  praise. 
There's  not  a  voice  in  Nature,  but  is  telling 

(If  we  will  hear  that  voice  aright,) 
How  much,  when  human  hearts  with  love  are  swelling, 
His  blessed  bosom  hath  delight 
In  our  rejoicing  lays. 
His  love,  that  never  slumbers, 
Taught  thee  those  tuneful  numbers.  Bethune. 

But  O,  her  richest,  dearest  notes  to  man, 

In  strains  aerial  over  Bethlehem  poured, 

"When  He,  whose  brightness  is  the  light  of  Heaven, 

To  earth  descending,  for  a  mortal's  form, 

Laid  by  His  glory,  save  one  radiant  mark, 

That  moved  through  space,  and  o'er  the  infant  hung, 

He  summoned  Music  to  attend  Him  here. 

Announcing  peace  below ! 

He  called  her,  too, 
To  sweeten  that  sad  Supper,  and  to  twine 
Her  mantles  round  Him  and  His  few  grieved  friends, 
To  join  their  mournful  spirits  with  the  hymn, 
Ere  to  the  Mount  of  Olives  He  went  out 
So  sorrowful. 

And  now,  His  blessed  word, 
A  sacred  pledge,  is  left  to  dying  man, 
That  at  His  second  coming,  in  His  power, 
Music  shall  still  be  with  Him,  and  her  voice 
Sound  through  the  tombs,  and  wake  the  dead  to  life. 

Hannah  F.  Gould. 

The  solemn  hymn  to  ancient  music  set 
In  many  a  heart  response  of  memory  met . 
To  me,  it  seemed  departed  Sabbaths  hung 
Upon  those  notes,  which  gave  the  past  a  tongue 
To  speak  again  in  voices  from   the  dead, 
And  wake  an  echo  from  their  silent  bed. 

Elizabeth  Bogart. 


412  MYSTERY. 


MYSTEEY. 

Behold  I  shew  you  a  mystery;  We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall 
all  be  changed. 

In  a  moment,  in  the   twinkling  of   an  eye,  at   the  last  trump. — I. 
Corinthians,  xr.  51,  52. 

The  mystery  which  hath  been  hid  from  ages  and  from  generations, 
but  now  is  made  manifest  to  his  saints.  —  Colossians,  i.  26. 

Praying  also  for  us,  that  God  would  open  unto  us  a  door  of  utter- 
ance, to  speak  the  mystery  of  Christ.— Colossians,  iv.  3. 

With  outstretched  arms, 
Stern  justice  and  soft-smiling  love  embrace, 
Supporting,  in  full  majesty,  tliy  throne, 
When  seemed  its  majesty  to  need  support, 
Or  that,  or  man,  inevitably  lost : 
What,  but  the  fathomless  of  love  divine 
Could  labour  such  expedient  from  despair, 
And  rescue  both  ?     Both  rescue  ?     Both  exalt ! 
O,  how  are  both  exalted  by  the  deed  ! 
The  wondrous  deed !  or  shall  I  call  it  more  ? 
A  wonder  in  Omnipotence  itself! 
A  mystery  no  less  to  gods  than  men.  Young, 

Hail,  Sovereign  Lord !  by  all  Thy  works  confess'd ! 
By  angels  worship'd,  and  by  saints  address'd ! 
Hail,  Sovereign  Lord !  mysterious  Wisdom !  hail; 
In  whom  the  Father  and  His  fulness  dwell. 
In  whom  the  Godhead  and  the  man  unite, 
Stamp  of  His  form,  and  glory  of  His  light ! 
In  whom  complete,  in  Thee  completed  shine, 
The  God  incarnate,  and  the  man  divine. 
Mysterious  truth  !  withheld  from  reason's  eye ; 
Outcast  on  earth  !  but  loftiest  on  high! 
Hail,  wondrous  cross  ! — yet  how  more  wondrous  He 
That  cross  who  bore  ! — Thyself  its  mystery  I — 
And  borne  for  man ! — a  greater  mystery  still ; 
So  great  Thy  love,  and  love's  mysterious  will! 

Peronnet. 
That  things  to  mortals  are  mysterious, 
Is  not  because  the  things  themselves  are  dark, 
But  the  perceptions  through  which  they  are  viewed. 

David  Bates. 


NAME.  413 

NAME. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain.— 
Exodus,  xx.  7. 

Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  from  this  time  forth  and  for 
evermore. — Psalm  cxiii.  2. 

A  pMil  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches. — Proverbs, 
xxii.  1. 

God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is 
above  every  name. 

That  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow. — Philippians, 
ii.  9,  10. 

Wb  wish  our  names  eternally  to  live. 

Wild  dream  !  which  ne'er  had  haunted  human  thought, 

Had  not  our  natures  been  eternal  too. 

Instinct  points  out  an  interest  in  hereafter, 

But  our  blind  reason  sees  not  where  it  lies ; 

Or  seeing,  gives  the  substance  for  the  shade. 

Young. 
In  the  fair  book  of  life  and  grace, 

O  may  I  find  my  name 
Recorded  in  some  humble  place, 

Beneath  my  Lord  the  Lamb.  Watts. 

I  read  His  awful  name  emblazoned  high, 
With  golden  letters,  on  the  illumined  sky  ; 
Nor  less  the  mystic  characters  I  see 
Wrought  in  each  flower,  inscribed  on  every  tree : 
In  every  leaf  that  trembles  to  the  breeze, 
I  hear  the  voice  of  God  among  the  trees. 

Mrs.  Barbauld. 
Wide  he  extends 
His  royalties,  and  still  the  throne  adorns 
With  piety  and  mercy.     Loved  and  feared. 
Twice  twenty  years,  with  equitable  hand, 
He  sways  the  sceptre  ;  then  in  peace  repose 
His  ashes,  but  his  name  lives  evermore. 

Charles  Hoyle. 
O  blessed  Father,  righteous  Lord ! 
Within  Thy  book  of  life  record 

My  undeserving  name ; 
Teach  me  to  know  and  do  Thy  will ; 
]Vly  heart  with  holy  longings  fill, 

And  heavenly  love  inflame.  Bayly. 


414  NAME. 


Alone  I  walk'd  the  ocean  strand, 
A  pearly  shell  was  in  my  hand ; 
I  stoop'd  and  wrote  upon  the  sand 

My  name,  the  year,  the  day. 
As  onward  from  the  spot  I  pass'd, 
One  lingering  look  I  fondly  cast ; 
A  wave  came  rolling  high  and  fast, 

And  wash'd  my  lines  away. 

And  so,  methought,  't  will  shortly  be 
With  every  mark  on  earth  from  me ; 
A  wave  of  dark  oblivion's  sea 

Will  sweep  across  the  place 
Where  I  have  trod  the  sandy  shore 
Of  time,  and  been  to  be  no  more  ; 
Of  me — my  day — the  name  I  bore, 

To  leave  no  track  nor  trace. 

And  yet  with  Him,  who  counts  the  sands, 
And  holds  the  waters  in  His  hands, 
I  know  a  lasting  record  stands 

Inscribed  against  my  name, 
Of  all  this  mortal  part  has  wrought — 
Of  all  this  thinking  soul  has  thought, 
And  from  these  fleeting  moments  caught 

For  glory  or  for  shame.  Miss  Qould. 

The  card-built  house  amused  our  infant  age  : 

The  child  was  pleased ;  but  is  the  man  more  sage  ? 

A  breath  could  level  childhood's  tottering  toy : 

See  manhood — effort,  art,  and  time  employ, 

To  build  that  brittle  name  a  whisper  can  destroy ! 

There  is  a  Book  where  nought  our  name  can  spot, 
If  we  ourselves  refuse  to  fix  the  blot ; 
'T  is  kept  by  One  that  sets  alike  at  nought 
The  tale  with  malice  or  with  flatt'ry  fraught, — 
He    reads   the  heart,   and   sees    the   whisper  in  the 
thought.  C.  C.  Colton. 

Jesus,  the  spring  of  joys  divine, 

Whence  all  our  hopes  and  comforts  flow : 

Jesus,  no  other  name  but  Thine 

Can  save  us  from  eternal  woe.  Steele. 


NATTBE.  415 


NATURE. 

0  LORD  God  of  hosts,  who  is  a  strong  Lord  like  unto  Thee? 

Thou  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea :  when  the  waves  thereof  arise, 
Thou  stillest  them. 

The  heavens  are  Thine,  the  earth  also  is  Thine :  as  for  the  world 
and  the  fulness  thereof,  Thou  hast  founded  them.— Psalni  lxxxix.  8, 
9,  11. 

The  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  Great  King  above  all  Gods. 

In  His  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth ;  the  strength  of  the 
hills  is  His  also. 

The  sea  is  His,  and  he  made  it ;  and  His  hands  formed  the  dry 
land.— Psalm  xcv.  3,  4.  5. 

Mine  hand  also  hath  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and  my  right 
hand  hath  spanned  the  heavens;  when  I  call  unto  them  they  stand 
up  together.  -Isaiah,  xlviii.  13. 

From  dearth  to  plenty,  and  from  death  to  life, 

Is  Natures  progress,  when  she  lectures  man 

In  heavenly  truth ;  evincing  as  she  makes 

The  grand  transition,  that  there  lives  and  works 

A  soul  in  all  things,  and  that  soul  is  God.  Cowper. 

Nature,  employed  in  her  allotted  place, 

Is  hand-maid  to  the  purposes  of  Grace  ; 

By  good  vouchsafed,  makes  known  superior  good, 

And  bliss  not  seen,  by  blessings  understood. 

Cowper. 
He  looks  abroad  into  the  varied  field 
Of  Nature ;  and  though  poor,  perhaps,  compared 
With  those  whose  mansions  glitter  in  his  sight, 
Calls  the  delightful  scenery  all  his  own. 
His  are  the  mountains,  and  the  valleys  his, 
And  the  resplendent  rivers  ;  his  to  enjoy 
With  a  propriety  that  none  can  feel, 
But  who,  with  filial  confidence  inspired, 
Can  lift  to  Heaven  an  unpresumptuous  eye, 
And  smiling  say,  "My  Father  made  them  all!" 

Cowper. 
By  swift  degrees  the  love  of  Nature  works, 
And  warms  the  bosom ;  till,  at  last  sublimed 
To  rapture  and  enthusiastic  heat, 
We  feel  the  present  Deity,  and  taste 
The  joy  of  God  to  see  a  happy  world.  Thomson. 


416  NATUEE. 


From  Nature  s  constant  or  eccentric  laws, 

The  thoughtful  soil  this  general  inference  draws — 

That  an  effect  must  pre-suppose  a  cause.  Prior. 

All  Nature  is  but  art,  unknown  to  thee  ; 

All  chance,  direction  which  thou  canst  not  see ; 

All  discord,  harmony  not  understood  ; 

All  partial  evil,  universal  good.  Pope. 

Read  Nature  ;  Nature  is  a  friend  to  truth  : 
Nature  is  Christian;  preaches  to  mankind; 
And  bids  dead  matter  aid  us  in  our  creed. 


How  faint  is  language  when  we  strive  to  sing 

The  beauties  of  the  Almighty  hand ! 
Each  year  upon  our  outward  sense  they  win, 
With  all  increasing  and  still  varying  force  ; 

The  seasons,  days,  months,  years,  incessant  briug 

Contrasting  changes  !    First  seeds,  leaves,  expand 
As  the  young  years  with  tender  warmth  begin, 
Then  bioom  and  fruit,  and  life  bursts  from  its  source, 

In  animated  Nature,  then  decays, 
And  with  revolving  time  is  still  renew'd. 
Thus  hope's  bright  beam  the  distant  scene  displays 

Where  no  repelling  shadows  may  intrude ; 
So  life  may  joyous  be,  and  genius  dwells 
In  new  awaked  fires,  and  fresh  enchantment  spells. 

Sir  E.  Bridges. 

Almighty  Father  !  such  the  lesson  is 
That  in  these  cool  and  venerable  woods, 
I  con  to-day ;  and  firmer  in  my  breast, 
By  every  syllable,  these  truths  are  fixed 
That  Thou  art  the  Beginning  and  the  End 
Of  all  this  glorious  work,  and  that  Thy  love 
Pervades  the  universe ;  and  that  Thy  smile 
Seeketh  all  hearts,  to  sun  them  ;  and  that  Thou, 
In  every  glorious  thing  we  here  behold, 
Declarest  and  reveal'st  Thyself  to  be 
The  Majesty  Supreme — Eternal  God. 

W.  D.  Gallagher. 


NATURE.  417 


Natures  self,  which  is  the  breath  of  God, 
Or  His  pure  Word  by  miracle  revealed. 

Wordsworth* 

Nature,  when  sprung  thy  glorious  frame? 
— My  Maker  called  me,  and  I  came. 

J.  Montgomery. 

Live  thou  with  God  in  Nature :  never  falter 

In  thy  communings  with  Him.     Be 
Like  those  blest  birds  Ave  read  of  in  the  Psalter. 

Who  found  a  home  from  peril  free 
In  God's  own  house,  and  nestled  near  His  altar, 
Making  it  ring  with  melody. 
That  temple  stands  no  more, 
But  Nature  standeth  still ;  God's  holy  presence 

Abideth  with  us,  and  the  offering 
Of  thankful  joy  to  Him  whose  perfect  essence 
Is  perfect  love,  our  glowing  lips  may  bring, 
Till  this  brief  life  is  o'er ; 
And  in  a  brighter,  better, 
Our  spirits  know  no  fetter.  Bethune. 


Never  have  the  works  of  Nature 

Yet  to  mortal  man  revealed, 
How  his  much  offended  Maker 

May  to  him  be  reconciled. 

Flower,  nor  tree,  nor  rock,  nor  mountain, 

Ever  yet  have  showed  the  way, 
Ever  told  him  of  a  Fountain 

That  could  wash  his  guilt  away. 

Man  could  never  yet  discover, 

From  the  sky,  the  earth,  the  sea, 
When  his  days  on  earth  are  over. 

Where  or  what  his  state  should  be. 

But  the  page  of  inspiration 

Casts  a  light  upon  the  whole, 
Bringing  peace  and  consolation 

To  the  never-dying  soul.        Alexander  Let  ham. 
*  2e 


418  NIGHT. 


NIGHT. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  showeth  know- 
ledge.— Psalm  xix.  2. 

Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night. — Psalm  civ.  20. 

If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall  cover  me;  even  the  night  shall 
be  light  about  me. 

Yea,  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  Thee;  but  the  night  shineth  as 
the  day :  the  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  Thee.— Psalm 
<!xxxix.  11,  12. 


One  sun  by  day,  by  night  ten  thousand  shine, 

And  light  us  deep  into  the  Deity  ; 

How  boundless  in  magnificence  is  night  ! 

O  what  a  confluence  of  ethereal  fires, 

From  urns  unnumber'd,  down  the  steep  of  heaven, 

Streams  to  a  point,  and  centres  in  my  sight ! 

Nor  tarries  there,  I  feel  it  at  my  heart. 

My  heart,  at  once,  it  humbles,  and  exalts  ; 

Lays  it  in  dust,  and  calls  it  to  the  skies. 

Who  sees  it  unexalted?  or  unaw'd? 

Who  sees  it,  and  can  stop  at  what  is  seen  ? 

Material  offspring  of  Omnipotence ! 

Inanimate,  all  animating  birth ! 

Work  worthy  Him  who  made  it !  worthy  praise ! 

Ail  praise  !  praise  more  than  human !  nor  denied 

Thy  praise  divine ! — But  tho'  man,  drown'd  in  sleep, 

Withholds  his  homage,  not  alone  I  wake ; 

Bright  legions  swarm  unseen,  and  sing,  unheard 

By  mortal  ear,  the  glorious  Architect, 

In  this  his  universal  temple  hung 

With  lustres,  with  innumerable  lights, 

That  shed  religion  on  the  soul ;  at  once 

The  temple  and  the  preacher  !     O  how  loved 

It  calls  devotion !  genuine  growth  of  night !        Young. 

The  glorious  sun  is  gone, 
And  the  gathering  darkness  of  night  comes  on. 
Like  a  curtain  from  God's  kind  hand  it  flows, 
To  shade  the  couch  where  His  children  repose. 
Then  kneel,  while  the  watching  stars  are  bright, 
And  give  your  last  thoughts  to  the  Guardian  of  night. 

Henry  Ware,  Jun. 


NIGHT.  419 


And  still  as  day  concludes  in  night 

To  break  again  with  new-born  light, 

God's  wondrous  bounty  let  me  find, 

With  still  a  more  enlightened  mind ; 

When  Grace  and  Love  in  one  agree, 

Grace  from  God  and  Love  from  me  ; 

Grace  that  will  from  Heaven  inspire, 

Love  that  seals  it  in  desire.  Parnell. 

Now,  with  religious  awe,  the  farewell  light 
Blends  with  the  solemn  colouring  of  the  night. 

Wordsworth. 
Ye  quenchless  stars!  so  eloquently  bright ; 
Untroubled  sentries  of  the  shadowy  night, 
While  half  the  world  is  lapp'd  in  blissful  dreams. 
And  round  the  lattice  creep  your  fairy  beams, 
How  sweet  to  gaze  upon  those  placid  eyes. 
In  lambent  beauty  looking  from  the  skies  I 
And  when,  oblivious  of  the  world,  we  stray 
At  dead  of  night  along  some  noiseless  way, 
How  the  heart  mingles  with  a  moon-lit  hour, 
And  feels  from  heaven  a  sympathetic  power ! 
See  !  not  a  cloud  careers  yon  pathless  deep 
Of  molten  azure, — mute  as  lovely  sleep; 
Full  in  her  pallid  light  the  moon  presides, 
Shrined  in  a  halo,  mellowing  as  she  rides  ; 
And  far  around,  the  forest  and  the  stream 
Wear  the  rich  garment  of  her  woven  beam. 
The  lull'd  winds,  too,  are  sleeping  in  her  caves, 
No  stormy  prelude  rolls  upon  the  waves ; 
Nature  is  hush'd,  as  if  her  works  ador'd, 
Still'd  into  homage  of  her  living  Lord  ! 

R.  Montgomery. 

O,  blessed  Night!  that  comes  to  rich  and  poor 
Alike  ;  bringing  us  dreams  that  lure 

Our  hearts  to  One  above !  Henry  B.  Hirst. 

Clouds  and  thick  darkness  are  thy  throne, 
Thy  wonderful  pavilion ; 
O,  dart  from  thence  a  shining  ray. 
And  then  my  midnight  shall  be  day  ! 

Thomas  Flatman. 


420  OBEDIENCE. 


OBEDIENCE— DISOBEDIENCE. 

FOR  as  by  one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by 
the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. — Romans,  v.  19. 

Know  ye  not,  that  to  whom  ye  yield  yourselves  servants  to  obey, 
bis  servants  ye  are  to  whom  ye  obey;  whether  of  sin  unto  death,  or 
of  obedience  unto  righteousness? — Romans,  vi.  16. 

Though  He  were  a  Son,  yet  learned  He  obedience  by  the  things  which 
He  suffered.— Hebrews,  v.  8. 

The  will  of  heav'n 
Be  done  in  this  and  all  things  !     I  obey.  Shalcspere. 

Of  man's  first  disobedience,  and  the  fruit 

Of  that  forbidden  tree,  whose  mortal  taste 

Brought  death  into  the  world,  and  all  our  woe, 

With  loss  of  Eden,  till  one  greater  Man 

Restore  us,  and  regain  the  blissful  seat, 

Sing  Heavenly  Muse,  that,  on  the  secret  top 

Of  Oreb  or  of  Sinai,  didst  inspire 

That  Shepherd,  who  first  taught  the  chosen  seed 

In  the  beginning,  how  the  heavens  and  earth 

Rose  out  of  Chaos.     Or  if  Sion  hill 

Delight  thee  more,  and  Siloa's  brook  that  flow'd 

Fast  by  the  oracle  of  God;  I  thence 

Invoke  thy  aid  to  my  adventurous  song, 

That  with  no  middle  flight  intends  to  soar 

Above  th'  Aonian  mount,  while  it  pursues 

Things  unattempted  yet,  in  prose  or  rhyme. 

And  chiefly  Thou,  O  Spirit,  that  dost  prefer 

Before  all  temples,  th'  upright  heart  and  pure, 

Instruct  me,  for  Thou  know'st :  Thou,  from  the  first 

Wast  present,  and,  with  mighty  wings  outspread, 

Dove-like  sat'st  brooding  on  the  vast  abyss, 

And  mad'st  it  pregnant.     What  in  me  is  dark 

Illumine  ;  what  is  low  raise  and  support ; 

That  to  the  height  of  this  great  argument 

I  may  assert  eternal  Providence, 

And  justify  the  ways  of  God  to  men. 

Say  first,  for  Heaven  hides  nothing  from  Thy  view, 

Nor  the  deep  tract  of  hell ;  say  first  what  cause 

Moved  our  grand  parents,  in  that  happy  state 

Favoured  of  Heaven  so  highly,  to  fall  off 

From  their  Creator,  and  transgress  His  will. 


OBEDIENCE.  421 


For  one  restraint,  lords  of  the  world  besides  ? 

Who  first  seduced  them  to  that  foul  revolt  ? 

Th'  infernal  serpent :  he  it  was  whose  guile, 

Stirred  up  with  envy  and  revenge,  deceived 

The  mother  of  mankind,  what  time  his  pride 

Had  cast  him  out  from  Heaven,  with  all  his  host 

Of  rebel  angels  ;  by  whose  aid,  aspiring 

To  set  himself  in  glory  'bove  his  peers, 

He  trusted  to  have  equalled  the  Most  High, 

If  He  opposed  ;  and,  with  ambition's  aim 

Against  the  throne  and  monarchy  of  God, 

liaised  impious  war  in  Heaven,  and  battle  proud 

With  vain  attempt.     Him  the  Almighty  Power 

Hurled  headlong  flaming  from  th'  ethereal  sky, 

W  ith  hideous  ruin  and  combustion,  down 

To  bottomless  perditioD  ;  there  to  dwell 

In  adamantine  chains  and  penal  fire, 

Who  durst  defy  th'  Omnipotent  to  arms.  Milton. 

Nor  can  this  be 
But  by  fulfilling  that  which  thou  didst  want — 
Obedience  to  the  law  of  God,  imposed 
On  penalty  of  death.  Milton. 

Flatter  not  folly  with  an  idle  faith, 

Nor  let  earth  stand  upon  her  own  desert ; 

But  show  what  wisdom  in  the  Scripture  saith 
The  fruitful  hand  doth  shew  the  fruitful  heart ; 

Believe  the  word,  and  thereto  bend  thy  will, 

And  teach  obedience  for  a  blessed  skill. 

Nicholas  Breton. 

Other  bond  have  I 
None  with  the  Father,  but  obedience  whole. 
The  Son  returns  through  all  eternity 
Entire  obedience  to  the  Father's  will 
Inscrutable,  devout  and  finally — 
Belying  on  his  love,  that  shall  fulfil 
All  gracious  purposes — and  so  became 
The  Mediator  to  all  creatures,  till 
God  shall  be  all  in  all.  J.  A.  Heraud. 


OFFERING. 


OFFERING. 

AND  in  process  of  time  it  came  to  pass,  that  Cain  brought  of  the 
fruit  of  the  ground  an  offering  unto  the  Lord. 

And  Abel,  he  also  brought  of  the  firstlings  of  his  flock,  and  of 
the  fat  thereof.  And  the  Lord  had  respect  unto  Abel  and  to  his 
offering. 

But  unto  Cain  and  to  his  offering  He  had  not  respect. — Genesis,  iv. 
3,  4,  5. 

So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many  ;  and  unto  them 
that  look  for  Him  shall  He  appear  the  second  time,  without  sin  unto 
salvation. — Hebrews,  ix.  8. 

For  by  one  offering  He  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanc- 
tified.— Hebrews,  x.  14. 

Brightest  and  best  of  the  sons  of  the  morning, 
Dawn  on  our  darkness  and  lend  us  Thy  aid ! 

Star  of  the  east  the  horizon  adorning, 
Guide  where  our  infant  Redeemer  is  laid ! 

Cold  on  His  cradle  the  dew-drops  are  shining, 
Low  lies  His  bed  with  the  beasts  of  the  stall ; 

Angels  adore  Him  in  slumber  reclining, 
Maker,  and  Monarch,  and  Saviour  of  all ! 

Say,  shall  we  yield  Him  in  costly  devotion. 

Odours  of  Edom,  and  offerings  divine  ; 
Gems  of  the  mountain,  and  pearls  of  the  ocean, 

Myrrh  from  the  forest,  and  gold  from  the  mine. 

Vainly  we  offer  each  ample  oblation, 

Vainly  with  gold  would  His  favour  secure, 

Richer  by  far  is  the  heart's  adoration  ; 

Dearer  to  God  are  the  prayers  of  the  poor. 

Bishop  Heber. 

What  offering  can  I  bring  to  Thee 
Which  may  find  favour  in  Thine  eye  ? 

Is  it  some  work  of  charity  ? 

Some  form  of  prayer  on  bended  knee, 

Some  spoil  of  earthly  treasury, 

That  toil  can  win,  or  gold  can  buy? 

Nay,  all  were  worthless,  all  were  vain 

As  that  oblation  made  by  Cain, 

If  a  sad  spirit,  and  a  contrite  heart, 

Form  of  the  sacrifice  no  part.  Egone. 


one.  423 


ONE. 


That  they  all  ina\  be  one;  as  thou,  Father,  art  la  me,  and  I  in  thee, 

that  the]  also  may  be  one  in  OS  :   that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou 
hast  sent  rue.— John.  xvii.  21. 

One  Lord,  oni-  faith.  o».  baptism.    Ephesians,  iv.  ">. 

One  baptism,  and  one  faith, 

Owe  lord,  below,  above  ! 
The  fellowship  of  Zion  hath 

One  only  watchword, — Love. 
From  different  temples  though  it  rise. 
One  song  ascendeth  to  the  skies. 
Our  Sacrifice  is  one  ; 

One  priest  before  the  throne, — 
The  crucified,  the  risen  Son, 

Redeemer,  Lord  alone ! 
And  sighs  from  contrite  hearts  that  spring, 
Our  chief,  our  choicest  offering. 
Oh,  why  should  they  who  love 

One  Gospel  to  unfold, 
Who  look  for  one  bright  home  above, 

On  earth,  be  strange  and  cold  ? 
Why,  subjects  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 
In  strife  abide,  and  bitterness  ? 
Oh,  may  that  holy  prayer, 

His  tenderest  and  his  last. 
The  utterance  of  his  latest  care. 

Ere  to  his  throne  he  pass'd, — 
ISTo  longer  unfulfill'd  remain 
The  world's  offence,  the  people's  stain ! 
Head  of  thy  church  beneath, 

The  catholic, — the  true, — 
On  her  disjointed  members  breathe. 

Her  broken  frame  renew  ! 
Then  shall  thy  perfect  will  be  done 
When  christians  love  and  live  as  one. 

E.  Robinson. 

O  Thou  Eternal  One  !  whose  presence  bright 
All  space  doth  occupy,  all  motion  guide, 
Unchanged  through  time's  all-devastating  flight, 
Thou  only  God!  From  the  Russian. 


424  PARADISE. 


PARADISE. 

And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  Thee,  To-day  shalt  thou 
be  with  me  in  Paradise. — Luke,  xxiii.  43. 

To  him  that  overcometh  -will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  the  Paradise  of  God.— Eevelation.  ii.  7. 


So  on  lie  fares,  and  to  the  border  comes 

Of  Eden,  whose  delicious  Paradise 

Now  nearer  crowns  with  her  enclosure  green. 

As  with  a  rural  mound,  the  champaign  head 

Of  a  steep  wilderness,  whose  hoary  sides, 

With  thicket  overgrown,  grotesque  and  wild. 

Access  denied  :  and  overhead  up-grew 

Insuperable  height  of  loftiest  shade, 

Cedar  and  pine,  and  fir,  and  branching  palm  ; 

A  sylvan  scene  !     And  as  the  ranks  ascend, 

Shade  above  shade,  a  woody  theatre 

Of  stateliest  view.     Yet  higher  than  their  tops 

The  verdurous  wall  of  Paradise  up-sprung  ; 

Which  to  our  general  sire  gave  prospect  large 

Into  his  nether  empire  neighb'ring  round.  Milton. 

Say'st  thou  there  was  no  "Paradise  of  God?" 

No  happy,  sinless  state  of  early  man  ? 

Ask  all  the  ages  past,  each  record  scan, 
And  see  if  always  cursed  was  this  now  barren  sod. 

Go  ask  the  Greek — he  tells  of  Golden  age, 
When  the  god-governed  earth  was  heavenly  pure; 
When  never  death,  nor  woes  men  now  endure 

Had  entered  here,  nor  hate,  nor  guile,  nor  rage. 

The  eastern  Magian  speaks  of  earliest  days, 
When  holy  Oromasdes  reign'd  o'er  man : 

The  far  Egyptian  tells  Osiris'  praise, 
Governing  all  in  peace,  ere  rude  revolt  began. 

And  wilt  thou  God's  own  Paradise  deny, 

When  e'en  the  heathen  tales  affirm  it  ceaselessly  ? 

Ann  Flinders. 

Lord  I  will  take  no  comfort  but  of  Thee ! 
I  had  an  earthly  plant — a  pleasaut  vine, 
From  whose  dear  grapes  I  pressed  delightful  wine, 

Which  made  my  heart  as  merry  as  could  be. 


TABADTSB.  425 


Thine  anger  hath  cut  down  that  cheerful  tree ; 

Or  at  the  least,  (for  vet  I  but  divine,) 
Thou  hast  cut  off  its  joyful  fruit  from  me, 

And  made  its  precious  shade  no  longer  mine. 
Shall  I  then  murmur  ?     If  my  road  henceforth 
Lies  but  before  me  wearisome  and  bare. 
And  no  green  garland  twined  amid  my  hair 
Will  guard,  as  it  was  wont,  my  tortured  eyes, 
What  then  ?     The  sweeter  after  this  stripped  earth 
Will  be  the  shady  rest  of  Paradise. 

Thomas  Burbidge. 

The  God  of  nature  and  of  grace 

In  all  His  work  appears  ; 
His  goodness  through  the  earth  we  trace, 

His  grandeur  in  the  spheres. 

Behold  this  fair  and  fertile  globe, 

By  Him  in  wisdom  planned ; 
'T  was  He  who  girded,  like  a  robe, 

The  ocean  round  the  land. 

Lift  to  the  firmament  your  eye, 

Thither  His  path  pursue  ; 
His  glory  boundless  as  the  sky, 

O'erwhelms  the  wandering  view. 

The  forests  in  His  strength  rejoice, 

Hark !  on  the  evening  breeze, 
As  once  of  old,  the  Lord  God's  voice 

Is  heard  among  the  trees. 

His  blessings  fall  in  plenteous  showers 

L'pon  the  lap  of  earth, 
That  teems  with  foliage,  fruit,  and  flowers, 

And  rings  with  infant  mirth. 

If  God  hath  made  the  world  so  fair, 

Where  sin  and  death  abound  ; 
How  beautiful,  beyond  compare, 

Will  Paradise  be  found  ! 

James  Montgomery. 


426 


PARDON 


Axd  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  Pardon,  I  beseech  Thee,  the  iniquity 
of  this  people  according  unto  the  greatness  of  Thy  mercy,  and  as  Thou 
hast  forgiven  this  people,  from  Egypt  even  until  now. 

And  the  Lord  said,  I  have  pardoned  according  to  thv  word. — 
Numbers,  xiv.  13,  19,  20. 

Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts  ; 
and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  He  will  have  mercy  upon  him  ; 
and  to  our  God,  for  He  will  abundantly  pardon. — Isaiah.'  lv.  7. 


But  infinite  in  pardon  is  our  judge.  Milton. 

What  can  we  better  do  than  prostrate  fall 
Befort  Hini  reverent,  and  there  confess 
Humbly  our  faults,  and  pardon  beg,  with  tears 
Watering  the  ground  ?  Milton. 

When  with  deep  agony  His  heart  was  racked, 

Not  for  Himself  the  tear-drop  dewed  His  cheek, 

For  them  He  wept,  for  them  to  Heaven  He  prayed, — 

His  persecutors — "Father pardon  them; 

They  know  not  what  they  do."  Charles  Lamb. 

O  Time  !  O  Life !  ye  were  not  made 

For  languid  dreaming  in  the  shade, 

Nor  sinful  hearts  to  moor  all  day 

By  lily-isle,  or  grassy  bay, 

Nor  drink  at  noontide's  balmy  hours 

Sweet  opiates  from  the  meadow-flowers. 

O  give  me  grace,  dear  Lord !  to  win 

Thy  pardon  for  my  youthful  sin, 

For  all  the  days,  in  woods  embowered, 

When  currents  of  sweet  thought  o'erpowered 

With  pleasant  force  the  sense  of  duty, 

And  gentle  nature's  harmless  beauty, 

Too  much  adored,  gave  birth  to  throngs 

Of  joys  effeminate,  and  songs 

Which  sprung  from  earth,  and,  like  a  breeze, 

Died  wantonly  among  the  trees, 

Without  a  moral  or  a  mirth 

Above  the  passing  bliss  of  earth ! 

Frederic  W.  Faber. 


427 


PARENTS. 


CHILDREN,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things  :  f<">r  this  is  well  pleasing 
unto  the  Lord.— Co'lossians.  iii.  30. 

Honour  thy  parents  to  prolong  thine  end ; 
With  them,  though  for  a  truth,  do  not  contend  ; 
"Whoever  makes  his  father's  heart  to  bleed, 
Shall  have  a  son  that  will  avenge  the  deed. 

Thomas  Randolph. 

Not  those  alone  are  parents,  to  whose  cares 
The  opening  buds  of  human  life  are  given ; 

Truth,  Beauty,  Love,  have  each  unnumbered  heirs, 
And  Earth  itself  is  but  the  child  of  Heaven. 

Nature  repeats  herself;  and  human  thought 
Mirrored  in  deeds ,  becomes  more  truly  real : 

Thus  only  on  the  web  of  life  are  wrought 
The  glowing  pictures  of  the  world  ideal. 

The  labourer  who  embowers  his  cottage  round 
With  tasteful  gifts — his  honest  hand  the  donor. 

Makes  of  that  little  spot  of  cultured  ground, 
A  pleasing  transcript  of  its  joyful  owner. 

The  matron,  toiling  with  unselfish  aim 

To  bless  her  little  band  of  cherished  creatures, 

But  mounts  the  picture,  from  whose  shining  frame 
For  ever  beam  her  dear,  benignant  features. 

Thought  is  the  favoured  child  of  thoughtful  ones, 
As  heaven  is  mirrored  in  the  quiet  waters ; 

The  statesman's  high  achievements  are  his  sons, 
And  the  sweet  poet's  lays  his  tuneful  daughters. 

The  sculptor,  bending  o'er  his  marble  child, 
Models  himself  in  fixed,  enduring  beauty  : 

The  painter's  soul  hath  from  the  canvass  smiled, 
Breathing  deep  tones  of  passion  or  of  duty. 

None  shall  die  childless  ;  and  the  frailest  one 
Of  all  the  living  crowds  around  us  pressing, 

May,  like  the  Eternal  Father,  give  his  son 
To  be  humanitv's  perpetual  blessing. 

Mrs.  F.  H.  CuuJce. 


428  passions. 


PASSIONS. 

We  also  are  men  of  like  passions  with  you,  and  preach  unto  you 
that  ye  should  turn  from  those  vanities  unto  the  living  G-od.—  Acts, 
xiv.  15. 

What  profits  us,  that  we  from  heaven  derive 
A  soul  immortal,  and  with  looks  erect 
Survey  the  stars,  if,  like  the  brutal  kind 
We  follow  where  our  passions  lead  the  way  ? 

Claudian. 

While  passions  glow,  the  heart  like  heated  steel 
Takes  each  impression,  and  is  worked  at  pleasure. 

Young. 
The  gales 
Of  pleasure  haply  waft  him,  and  he  bounds 
Exultingly  upon  the  nattering  main ; 
Nor  heeds  the  inexperienced  boy  the  hints 
Of  prudence,  and  the  counsel  of  the  wise ; 
He  steers  impetuously  through  dancing  waves 
And  oceans  of  illusive  bliss,  till  now, 
Crashing  upon  the  keel,  his  vessel  lies 
A  total  wreck  upon  th'  undreaded  reef! 
"Avoid  the  shoal !"  the  sacred  preacher  cries, 
The  volumes  of  the  dead  and  living,  ope 
The  monitory  page,  alas,  in  vain! 
If  passion  hold  the  helm,  and  pleasure  fill 
The  swelling  sail,  though  reason,  conscience,  say 
"Avoid  the  shoal!"  the  voyager  is  lost.         Carrington. 

Thou  must  chain  thy  passions  down ; 

Well  to  serve,  but  ill  to  sway, 

Like  the  fire  they  must  obey. 

They  are  good,  in  subject  state, 

To  strengthen,  warm,  and  animate ; 

But  if  once  we  let  them  reign, 

They  sweep  with  desolating  train, 

'Till  they  but  leave  a  hated  name, 

A  ruined  soul,  and  blackened  fame.       Eliza  Cook. 

Passions,  indulged  beyond  a  certain  bound, 

Lead  to  a  precipice,  and  plunge  in  woe 

The  heedless  agent.  George  Bally. 


past.  429 


PAST. 


THAT  which  hath  been  is  now  ;  and  that  which  is  to  be  hath  already 
been ;  and  G-od  requireth  that  which  is  jKtst. — Ecclesiastes,  iii.  15. 

The  past  lives  o'er  again, 
In  its  effects,  and  to  the  guilty  spirit 
The  ever-frowning  present  is  its  image.  Coleridge. 

Who  bears  no  trace  of  passion's  evil  force? 
Who  shuns  thy  sting,  O,  terrible  Remorse  ? — 

Who  does  not  cast 
On  the  thronged  pages  of  his  memory's  book, 
At  times,  a  sad,  and  half-reluctant  look, 

Regretful  of  the  Past  ?  J.  G.  Whittier. 

Full  many  a  mighty  name 
Lurks  in  thy  depths,  unuttered,  unrevered ; 

With  thee  are  silent  fame, 
Forgotten  arts,  and  wisdom  disappeared. 

Thine  for  a  space  are  they — 
Yet  shalt  thou  yield  thy  treasures  up  at  last ; 

Thy  gates  shall  yet  give  way, 
Thy  bolts  shall  fall,  inexorable  Past ! 

All  that  of  good  and  fair 
Has  gone  into  thy  womb  from  earliest  time, 

Shall  then  come  forth,  to  wear 
The  glory  and  the  beauty  of  its  prime. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 
Whene'er  upon  the  past  I  gaze, 

Though  thorns  and  clouds  appear, 
Rich  gifts  from  Heaven  demand  my  praise, 

Gifts  to  the  heart  most  dear, 
The  strong  One's  arm,  the  friend  above, 
The  fulness  of  Redeeming  Love. 

Through  childhood's  hours  and  youthful  snares, 

That  Arm  my  footsteps  led, 
That  friend  amid  the  heart's  own  cares, 

The  balm  of  pity  shed, 
And  raised  my  drooping  soul  to  feel 
How  deep  the  wound  Love's  power  can  heal. 

W.  J.  Brock. 


430 


PASTOR. 


I  WILL  give  you  pastors  according  to  mine  heart,  which  shall  feed 
you  with  knowledge  and  understanding. — Jeremiah,  hi.  15. 

Woe  be  unto  the  pastors  that  destroy  and  scatter  the  sheep  of  my 
pasture!  saith  the  Lord. — Jeremiah,  xxiii.  1. 

He  was  a  shepherd,  and  no  mercenary. 

And  though  he  holy  was  and  virtuous, 

He  was  to  sinful  men  full  piteous  ; 

His  words  were  strong,  but  not  with  anger  fraught ; 

A  love  benignant  he  discreetly  taught. 

To  draw  mankind  to  Heaven  by  gentleness 

And  good  example,  was  his  business. 

But  if  that  any  one  were  obstinate, 

Whether  he  were  of  high  or  low  estate, 

Him  would  he  sharply  check  with  altered  mien : 

A  better  parson  there  was  nowhere  seen. 

He  paid  no  court  to  pomps  and  reverence, 

^Nor  spiced  hi3  conscience  at  his  soul's  expense ; 

But  Jesus'  love,  which  owns  no  pride  or  pelf, 

He  taught — but  first  he  followed  it  himself. 

Chaucer. 
Do  not,  as  some  ungracious  pastors  do, 
Show  me  the  steep  and  thorny  way  to  heaven, 
Whilst,  like  a  puff 'd  and  reckless  libertine, 
Himself  the  primrose  path  of  dalliance  treads. 
And  recks  not  his  own  road.  Shalcspere. 

A  genial  hearth,  a  hospitable  board, 

And  a  refined  rusticity,  belong 

To  the  neat  mansion,  where,  his  flock  among, 

The  learned  pastor  dwells,  their  watchful  lord. 

Though  meek  and  patient  as  a  sheathed  sword, 

Though  pride's  least  lurking  thought  appears  a  wrong 

To  human  kind  ;  though  peace  be  on  his  tongue, 

Gentleness  in  his  heart ;  can  earth  afford 

Such  genuine  state,  pre-eminence  so  free, 

As  when,  array'd  in  Christ's  authority, 

He  from  the  pulpit  lifts  his  awful  hand; 

Conjures,  implores,  and  labours  all  he  can 

For  re-subjecting  to  divine  command 

The  stubborn  spirit  of  rebellious  man?        Wordsworth. 


PASTOB.  431 


He  is  a  faithful  pastor  of  the  poor ; — 
He  thinks  not  of  himself;  his  Master's  words, 
"Feed,  feed  my  sheep,"  are  ever  at  his  heart, 
The  Cross  of  Christ  is  aye  before  his  eyes. 

Grahame. 

So  glorious  let  Thy  pastors  shine, 
That,  by  their  speaking  lives,  the  world  may  learn 

First,  filial  duty,  then  divine ; 
That  sons  to  parents,  all  to  Thee  may  turn.  Keble. 

Of  the  deep  learning  in  the  schools  of  yore, 
The  reverend  pastor  hath  a  golden  stock  ; 

Yet,  with  a  vain  display  of  useless  lore, 
Or  sapless  doctrine,  never  will  he  mock 
The  better  cravings  of  his  simple  flock  ; 

But  faithfully  their  humble  shepherd  guides 

Where  streams  eternal  gush  from  Calvary's  rock  ; 

For  well  he  knows,  not  learning's  purest  tides 

Can  quench  the  immortal  thirst  that  in  the  soul  abides. 

Mrs.  Little. 

By  weakest  ministers,  the  Almighty  thus 

Makes  known  His  sacred  will,  and  shows  His  power ; 

By  Him  inspired,  they  speak  with  urgent  tongue 

Authoritative,  while  the  illumined  breast 

Heaves  with  unwonted  strength ;  high  as  their  theme, 

Their  great  conceptions  rise  in  rapturous  flow, 

As  quick  the  ready  organs  catch  the  thought. 

And,  in  such  strains  as  science  could  not  teach, 

Bear  it,  in  all  its  radiance,  to  the  heart ; 

The  listening  throng  there  feel  its  bless'd  effect. 

And  deep  conviction  glows  in  every  breast. 

Charles  Jenner. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  Thou  dost  keep 
With  constant  care,  Thy  humble  sheep. 
By  Thee  inferior  pastors  rise 
To  feed  our  souls  and  bless  our  eyes. 

Fed  by  their  active,  tender  care. 

Healthful  may  all  Thy  sheep  appear. 

And  by  their  fair  example  led, 

The  way  to  Zion's  pastures  tread.  Doddridge. 


432  PATIENCE. 


PATIENCE. 

In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls. — Luke,  xxi.  19. 

And  not  only  so,  but  we  glory  in  tribulations  also  :  knowing  that 
tribulation  worketh  patience; 

And  patience,  experience  ;  and  experience,  hope. — Romans,  v.  3,  4. 

Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have  spoken  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  affliction,  and  of  patience. 

Behold,  we  count  them  happy  which  endure.  Ye  have  heard  of  the 
patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen  the  end  of  the  Lord  ;  that  the  Lord  is 
veiy  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy. — James,  v.  10,  11. 

Many  are  the  sayings  of  the  wise, 

In  ancient  and  in  modern  books. unroll'd, 

Extolling  patience  as  the  truest  fortitude  ; 

And  to  the  bearing  well  of  all  calamities, 

All  chances  incident  to  man's  frail  life, 

Consolitaries  writ 

With  studied  argument,  and  much  persuasion  sought, 

Lenient  of  grief  and  anxious  thought : 

But  with  th'  afflicted  in  his  pangs  their  sound 

Little  prevails,  or  rather  seems  a  tune 

Harsh,  and  of  dissonant  mood  from  his  complaint, 

Unless  he  feel  within 

Some  source  of  consolation  from  above, 

Secret  refreshings,  that  repair  his  strength 

And  fainting  spirits  uphold.  Milton. 

Give  me  care, 
By  thankful  patience,  to  prevent  despair : 
Fit  me  to  bear  whate'er  Thou  shalt  assign ; 
I  kiss  the  rod,  because  the  rod  is  Thine. 

Francis  Quarles. 
Patience  and  resignation  are  the  pillars 
Of  human  peace  on  earth.  Young. 

Like  some  well-fashioned  arch  thy  patience  stood, 
And  purchased  strength  from  each  increasing  load. 

Goldsmith. 
A  dungeon,  dark  and  drear 
As  death,  but  in  its  cold  and  gloomy  depths 
I  see  a  form  of  beauty,  round  whose  locks 
A  glory  plays,  that  lights  the  dungeon  with 
A  quivering  lustre — she  is  stretched  upon 


PATIENCE.  433 


The  damp  cold  earth,  her  head  is  pillowed  on 

One  arm,  the  while  its  fellow  presses  to 

Her  heart  a  hoi}-  volume.     O'er  her  eyes 

The  dove  of  peace  seems  brooding,  while  deep  sleep 

Heaves  the  long  ringlets  of  the  golden  hair 

That  cluster  on  her  neck,  and  sweep  the  earth : 

A  smile  is  lingering  on  her  placid  lip, 

As  though  she  dreamt  of  heaven,  the  while  her  brow, 

As  that  same  heaven,  arched  and  calm,  shoots  forth 

A  halo— in  her  breast  a  dove  is  nestling, 

And  angel  wings  are  spread  to  guard  her  dreams 

From  evil — favoured  one  of  God — who  art  thou  ? 

'T  is  patience,  the  beloved  of  Heaven!  the  meek, 

The  mild,  the  lowly,  and  the  gentle  patience, 

Whose  eye  looks  up  to  God ;  and  ne'er  unbends 

Its  fixed  and  placid  gaze  to  look  upon 

The  thorns  that  tear  her  bleeding  breast ;  who  stands 

Pale,  calm,  unmoved  amid  the  storms  of  life ; 

Whose  soul  weeps  not  for  heart's  torture — patience, 

The  meek-eyed  pilgrim  of  the  earth,  that  child 

Of  heaven — perfection's  crown.  C.  L.  Reddell. 

For  God,  who  binds  the  broken  heart, 

And  dries  the  mourner's  tear, 
If  faith  and.  patience  be  their  part, 

Will  unto  these  be  near. 

Let  such  but  say  "Thy  will  be  done !" 

And  He  who  Jesus  raised, 
Will  qualify  them,  through  His  Son, 

To  say  "Thy  name  be  praised!" 

Bernard  Barton. 

When,  in  justice,  he  appals  us 

By  the  threat  of  endless  pain, 
Sink  not — soon  His  mercy  calls  us 

To  His  pardoning  arms  again. 
Father  !  O,  with  patience  bless  us, 

Till  each  seeming  ill  be  past : 
Let  whatever  gloom  oppress  us, 

All  must  end  in  light  at  last. 

Thomas  Ward. 


434  PEACE. 


PEACE. 

Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright  :  for  the  end  of  that 
man  is  peace. — Psalm  xxxvii.  37. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  the  man  that    a 
understanding. 

Her  ways  are  ways  or'  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace.— 
Proverbs,  iii.  13,  17. 

Lord,  thou  wilt  ordain  peace  for  us.  —  Isaiah,  xxvi.  12. 

Blessed  ar  ■  the  peacemakers,  for  they  shall    be   called   the  children 
of  God.--  Matthew,  v.  9. 

Glory  to  (rod  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  toward 
men.— Luke,  ii.  14. 

Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  1  give  unto  you  :  not  as  the  world 
giveth,  uive  I  unto  you.     '.  art  be  troubled,  neither  let 

it  be  afraid.— John,  xiv.  27. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love, 

The    i  all  keep  your 

hearts  and  minds  througl  sns.     Philippians,  iv.  7. 

.No  war  or  battle's  sound 
Was  heard  the  world  around  : 

The  idle  spear  and  shield  were  high  up  hung, 
The  hooked  chariot  stood 
Unstained  with  hostile  blood, 

The  trumpet  spake  not  to  the  armed  throng ; 
And  kings  sat  still,  with  awe-full  eye 
As  if  they  surely  knew  their  sovereign  Lord  was  by. 

Hut  peaceful  was  the  night 
Wherein  the  Prince  of  Light, 

His  reign  of  peace  upon  the  earth  began  : 
The  winds,  with  wonder  whist, 
Smoothly  the  waters  kissed, 

Whispering  new  joys  to  the  mild  ocean, 
Who  now  hath  quite  forgot  to  rave, 
While  birds  of  calm  sat  brooding  on  the  charmed  wave. 

Milton. 
No  more  shall  nation  against  nation  rise, 
JNTor  ardent  warriors  meet  with  hateful  eyes, 
Nor  fields  with  gleaming  steel  be  covered  o'er, 
The  brazen  trumpets  kindle  rage  no  more; 
But  useless  lances  into  scythes  shall  bend, 
And  the  broad  falchion  in  a  ploughshare  end. 

J 'ope. 


PEACE.  435 

My  soul,  there  is  a  country 

Far  beyond  the  stars, 
Where  stands  a  winged  sentry 

All  skilful  in  the  wars  ; 
There  above  noise  and  danger 

Sweet  peace  sits  crown'd  with  smiles  ; 
And  One  born  in  a  manger 

Commands  the  beauteous  files. 
He  is  thy  gracious  friend. 

And  oh  !  my  soul,  awake  : 
Did  in  pure  love  descend 

To  die  here  for  my  sake. 
If  thou  canst  get  but  thither. 

There  grows  the  flower  of  peace  ; 
The  rose  that  cannot  wither. 

Thy  fortress  and  thy  ease 
Leave  then  thy  foolish  ran. 

For  none  can  thee  secure. 
But  one  who  never  changes, 

Thy  God.  thy  life,  thy  cure. 

Henry   Vaughan. 
Sure  the  last  end 
Of  the  good  man  is  peace.     How  calm  his  exit ! 
Xight  dews  fall  not  more  calmly  on  the  ground, 
Nor  weary  worn-out  winds  expire  so  soft.  Blair. 

Hear  the  last  words  the  believer  saith. 
He  has  bidden  adieu  to  his  earthly  friends  ; 
There  is  peace  in  his  eye  that  upward  bends ; 
There  is  peace  in  his  calm  confiding  air ; 
For  his  last  thoughts  are  God's,  his  last  words,  prayer. 

Henry  Ware,  Jan. 

"Peace"  was  the  word  our  Saviour  breathed, 

When  from  our  world  His  steps  withdrew  ; 
The  gift  He  to  His  friends  bequeathed. 

With  Calvary  and  the  Cross  in  view : — 
Redeemer !     With  adoring  love 

Our  spirits  take  Thy  rich  bequest. 
The  watchword  of  the  host  above, 

The  passport  to  their  realm  of  rest. 

Mr».  S'niourney. 


436  PEACE. 

Oh,  peace  ;  thou  source  and  soul  of  social  life, 

Beneath  whose  calm  inspiriting  influence, 

Science  his  views  enlarges  ;  art  refines, 

And  swelling  Commerce  opens  all  her  ports  ; 

Blest  be  the  man  divine  who  gives  us  thee; 

Who  bids  the  trumpet  hush  its  horrid  clang, 

Nor  blow  the  giddy  nations  into  rage. 

Who  sheathes  the  murderous  blade,  the  deadly  gun 

Into  the  well-piled  armoury  returns  ; 

And  every  vigour  from  the  work  of  death 

To  grateful  industry  converting,  makes 

The  country  flourish  and  the  city  smile.  Thomson. 

When  groves  by  moonlight  silence  keep, 

And  winds  the  vexed  waves  release, 
And  fields  are  hushed,  and  cities  sleep, — 

Lord !  is  not  this  the  hour  of  Peace? 
When  Infancy  at  Evening  tries 

By  turns  to  climb  each  Parent's  knees, 
And  gazing  meets  their  raptured  eyes, — 

Lord!  is  not  this  the  hour  of  Peace? 
In  golden  pomp  when  autumn  smiles  ; 

And  every  vale  its  rich  increase 
In  man's  full  barns  exulting  piles  ; — 

Lord !  is  not  this  the  hour  of  Peace  ? 
When  M  ercy  points  where  Jesus  bleeds, 

And  Faith  beholds  thine  anger  cease ;" 
And  Hope  to  black  despair  succeeds  ; — 

This,  Father !  this  alone  is  Peace  !         Gisborne. 

Wherefore  from  His  throne  exalted, 

Came  He  on  this  earth  to  dwell ; 
All  His  pomp  an  humble  manger — 

All  His  court  a  narrow  cell  ? 
"  From  that  world  to  bring  to  this, 

Peace,  which  of  all  earthly  blisses 
Is  the  brightest,  purest  bliss."        Violante  Di  Ceo. 

Down  the  dark  future,  through  long  generations, 
The  echoing  sounds  grow  fainter,  and  then  cease ! 

And  like  a  bell  with  solemn  sweet  vibrations, 

I  hear  once  more  the  voice  of  Christ  say  "Peace!" 


PEACE.  437 


Peace  !  and  no  longer  from  its  brazen  portals 
The  blast  of  war's  great  organ  shakes  the  skies ; 

But,  beautiful  as  songs  of  the  immortals, 

The  holiest  melodies  of  love  arise.  Longfellow. 

"Peace,"  shall  the  world  outwearied  ever  see 
Its  universal  reign  ?     "Will  states,  will  kings, 
Put  down  these  murderous  and  unholy  things, 

Which  fill  the  earth  with  blood  and  misery? 

Will  nations  learn  that  love — not  enmity — 

Is  heaven's  first  lesson — which  beneath  the  wings 

Of  mercy,  brooding  over  land  and  sea, 

Fills  earth  with  joy  by  its  soft  ministerings  ? 

'T  were  a  sad  prospect — 't  were  a  vista  dark 
As  midnight — could  this  wearied  mortal  eye, 
Through  the  dim  mists  that  veil  futurity, 

Discern  not  that  heaven-bright  though  distant  spark, 
Lighted  by  prophecy,  whose  ray  sublime 
Sheds  a  soft  gleam  of  hope  o'er  the  dull  path  of  time. 

I  hate  that  noisy  drum,  it  is  a  sound 

That  tells  of  war,  of  bondage,  and  I  blush 
That  liberty  had  ever  cause  to  rush 
Into  a  warrior's  arms  ;  that  right  e'er  found 
Asylum  in  the  furious  field.     Not  so 
The  holy  crowns  of  genuine  glory  grow ; 
Not  there  should  they  who  bear  the  badge  serene 
Of  Him  who  was  the  Prince  of  Peace,  be  seen ; 
Can  such  His  faithful  followers  be? — Oh  no ! 
His  laurels  are  not  drenched  in  blood, — but  green 

And  beautiful  as  spring : — His  arms  are  love 
And  mercy  and  forgiveness  ;  and  with  them 
He  rules  the  nations'  mighty  destinies 
And  gently  leads  us  to  our  homes  above. 

Dr.  Bowring. 
If  there  be  sore  strife  and  care, 

In  the  world  below, 
Restless  spirits  never  there 

Could  chase  away  their  woe, 
Let  the  storm  that  raves  about  us, 
By  our  faith  be  kept  without  us  ; 
Let  us  from  our  troubles  cease, 
Power  and  conquest  dwell  in  peace.        J.  Gostick. 


438  PERFECTION. 


PERFECTION. 

OUT  of  Zion,  the  perfection  of  beauty,  God  hath  shined. —Psalm  1.  2. 

0  when  wilt  thou  come   unto   me?    I  will  walk  within    my  house 
with  a  perfect  heart. — Psalm  ci.  2. 

1  have  seen  an  end  of  all  perfection. — Psalm  cxix.  96. 

Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  is 
perfect. — Matthew,  v.  48. 

Give  glory  to  the  Son,  who  came 

Clothed  in  our  fleshy,  mortal  frame  ; 

Who  bore  our  sins,  vouchsafed  to  give 

Himself  to  die,  that  we  might  live  ; 

Who — holy,  harmless,  undefiled, 

Was  patient — spurned,  was  dumb — reviled  ; 

Who,  in  the  agonies  of  death, 

Poured  for  His  foes  His  parting  breath  ; 

Was  perfect  God  and  man  in  one  : 

Give  glory  to  the  Incarnate  Son !  Barton. 

Behold  the  beauty  of  His  matchless  life 

In  deed  and  thought  connecting  earth  adfd  heaven : — 

Call  every  virtue  which  the  mind  conceives, 

Or  view  perfection  in  sublime  excess 

Of  glory,  such  as  dreams  of  God  pourtray, 

And  what  can  emulate  the  Prince  of  Peace ! 

R.  Montgomery. 

Oh !  who  shall  paint  them — let  the  sweetest  tone 

That  ever  trembled  on  the  harps  of  Heaven, 

Be  discord ;  let  the  chanting  seraphim, 

Whose  anthem  is  eternity,  be  dumb  ; 

For  praise  and  wonder,  adoration, — all 

Melt  into  muteness,  ere  they  soar  to  Thee, 

Thou  sole  Perfection  I — Theme  of  countless  worlds! 

R.  Montgomery. 
Oh.  Thou,  who  all  perfection  art! 

How  shall  my  soul  approach  to  Thee  ? 
How  can  my  black,  polluted  heart 
Endure  Thy  searching  scrutiny  ? 
Only  through  grace  of  Him  by  whom 

The  just  avenging  arm  is  stayed; 
By  whose  descent  into  the  tomb 

Was  imperfection  perfect  made.  Egone. 


PESTILENCE. 


439 


PE8TILENCE— PLAGUE. 

Ani<  the  Lord  said  on1  up  early  In  the  morn  i' 

stand  b  onto  him,  Thus  saitb  the  Loiv  I 

•\e  me. 

:   will  at  this  time  Bend  all  my  plague*  upon  thine  heart,  and 
and  upon  thj  t  thou  mayest  know  that 

-  aone  like  me  in  all  the 

out  my  hand,  that  1  may  smite  tint- and  thy 
■  .-   and    thou   shalt    be  cut  oif   from  the  earth.  — 

13,  i ;.  15. 

elleth   in   the  seer  -        -h  shall  abide 

i  low  of  the  Almighty. 

he  shall  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from 
the  i. 

There  shall  no  evil  befi  ier  shall   any  plague  come  nigh 

thy  d  lm  xei.  l.  ;;.  10. 

A  terrible  change  is  come  ;  I  see  a  cloud 

Brooding  above  the  valley  like  the  wing 

Of  a  destroying  angel  dark  and  dread ; 

And  in  its  awful  depth  I  see  a  brow 

On  which  is  stamped  in  fiery  characters 

The  one  word — Plague.     The  beds  of  dewy  flower? 

Are  pressed  by  loathsome  forms  of  dark  disease, 

Putrid  though  living  ;  some  have  dragged  their  weak 

And  fainting  limbs  to  where  the  pure  stream  glides, 

But  sink  ere  they  can  quench  their  burning  tlin>t 

In  its  cool  waters ;  some  bow  down  their  heads 

In  prayer,  but  the  unfinished  words  are  quelled 

By  groans  of  agony ;  some  wait  for  death 

With  stubborn  pride  that  scorns  to  murmur ;  some 

Eave  of  cool  forests  and  of  shady  rivers, 

In  their  delirious  pain  ;  the  dead  and  dying 

Tenant  that  valley  only.  C.  L.  Reddell. 

From  the  sword  at  noonday  wasting, 

From  the  noisome  pestilence, 
In  the  depth  of  midnight  blasting, 

God  shall  be  thy  sure  defence. 

Thee,  though  winds  and  waves  be  swelling. 

God,  thine  hope,  shall  bear  through  all, 
Plague  shall  not  come  nigh  thy  dwelling, 

Thee  no  evil  shall  befall.  J.  Montgomery. 


440  PHILOSOPHY. 


PHILOSOPHY. 

BEWARE  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through  philosophy  and  vain  deceit, 
after  the  tradition  of  men,  after  the  rudiment  <  of  the  world,  and  not 
after  Christ.— Colossians,  ii.  8. 

Philosophy  consists  not 
In  airy  schemes,  or  idle  speculation  ; 
The  rule  and  conduct  of  all  social  life 
Is  her  great  province.     Not  in  lonely  cells 
Obscure  she  lurks  ;  but  holds  her  heavenly  light 
To  senates  and  to  kings,  to  guide  their  councils, 
And  teach  them  to  reform  and  bless  mankind. 
All  policy  but  her's  is  false  and  rotten ; 
All  valour  not  conducted  by  her  precepts 
Is  a  destroying  fury  sent  from  hell, 
To  plague  unhappy  man,  and  ruin  nations. 

Thomson. 

What  is  an  high-praised  philosophy, 
But  books  of  poesy  in  prose  compil'd, 

Far  more  delightful  than  they  fruitful  be, 
Witty  appearance,  guile  that  is  begun"  d ; 

Corrupting  minds  much  rather  than  directing, 

Th'  alloy  of  duty,  and  our  pride's  erecting. 

For,  as  among  physicians,  what  they  call 
Word  magic,  never  helpeth  the  disease, 

Which  drugs  and  diet  ought  to  deal  withal, 
And  by  their  real  working  give  us  ease ; 

So  these  word-sellers  have  no  power  to  cure 

The  passions  which  corrupted  lives  endure. 

Sir  Falke  Greville. 

In  its  sublime  research,  philosophy 

May  measure  out  the  ocean  deep — may  count 

The  sands  or  the  sun's  rays — but  God !  for  Thee 

There  is  no  weight  nor  measure : — none  can  mount 

Up  to  Thy  mysteries :  Eeason's  brightest  spark, 

Though  kindled  at  Thy  light,  in  vain  would  try 

To  trace  Thy  counsels,  infinite  and  dark 

And  thought  is  lost  ere  thought  can  soar  so  high, 

Even  like  past  moments  in  eternity. 

From  the  Russian. 


PHILOSOPHY.  441 


With  thee,  serene  Philosophy,  with  thee 

And  thy  bright  garland,  let  me  crown  my  song ! 

Effusive  source  of  evidence  and  truth ! 

A  lustre  shedding  o'er  the  ennobled  mind 

Stronger  than  summer  noon;  and  pure  as  that 

Whose  mild  vibrations  soothe  the  parted  soul, 

New  to  the  dawning  of  celestial  day. 

Hence  through  her  nourished  powers,  enlarged  by  thee 

She  springs  aloft,  with  elevated  pride, 

Above  the  tangling  mass  of  low  desires 

That  bind  the  fluttering  crowd ;  and,  angel- winged, 

The  heights  of  science  and  of  virtue  gains, 

Where  all  is  calm  and  clear;  with  nature  round, 

Or  in  the  starry  regions,  or  the  abyss, 

To  reason  and  to  fancy's  eye  displayed: 

The  first  up-tracing  from  the  dreary  void, 

The  chain  of  causes  and  effects  to  Him, 

The  world-producing  Essence,  who  alone 

Possesses  being;  while  the  last  receives 

The  whole  magnificence  of  Heaven  and  earth, 

And  every  beauty,  delicate  or  bold, 

Obvious  or  more  remote,  with  livelier  sense, 

Diffusive  painted  on  the  rapid  mind.  Thomson. 

Survey  the  magnet's  sympathtic  love, 

That  woos  the  yielding  needle;  contemplate 

Th'  attractive  amber's  power,  invisible 

Ev'n  to  the  mental  eye  ;  or  when  the  blow 

Sent  from  th'  electric  sphere  assaults  thy  frame, 

Show  me  the  hand  that  dealt  it ! — Baffled  here 

By  His  Omnipotence,  Philosophy 

Slowly  her  thoughts  inadequate  revolves, 

And  stands  with  all  His  circling  wonders  round  her, 

Like  heavy  Saturn,  in  th'  ethereal  space 

Begirt  with  an  inexplicable  ring.  Smart. 

Sublime   Philosophy  ! 
Thou  are  the  patriarch's  ladder,  reaching  heaven, 
And  bright  with  beckoning  angels;  but,  alas! 
We  see  thee,  like  the  patriarch,  but  in  dreams, 
By  the  first  step,  dull  slumbering  on  the  earth. 

Bulwer. 


442 


PILGRIMAGE. 


PILGRIMAGE. 

THESE  all  died  in  faith,  not  having  received  the  promises,  but  having 
seen  them  afar  off,  and  were  persuaded  of  them,  and  embraced  them. 
and  confessed  that  they  were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth. 

For  they  that  say  such  things  declare  plainly  that  they  seek  a 
country. — Hebrews,  xi.  13,  14. 

Dearly  beloved.  I  beseech  you,  as  strangers  and  pilgrims,  abstain 
from  fleshly  lusts,  which  war  against  the  soul. — I.  Peter,  ii.  11. 


Give  me  my  scallop-shell  of  quiet. 
My  staff  of  faith  to  walk  upon ; 
My  scrip  of  joy,  immortal  diet; 
My  bottle  of  salvation  ; 
My  gown  of  glory,  (hope's  true  gage.) 
And  thus  I'll  take  my  pilgrimage. 
Blood  must  be  my  body's  only  balmer 
Whilst  my  soul,  like  a  quiet  Palmer, 
Travelleth  towards  the  land  of  Heaven  ; 
No  other  balm  will  there  be  given. 

Sir  W.  Raleigh. 

From  darkness,  here,  and  dreariness, 

We  ask  not  full  repose  ; 
Only  be  Thou  at  hand  to  bless 

Our  trial  hour  of  woes. 
Is  not  the  pilgrhffs  toil  o'erpaid 
By  the  clear  rill  and  palmy  shade  ? 
And  see  we  not  up  earth's  dark  glade, 

The  gate  of  Heaven  unclose?  Keble. 


While  his  staff  the  traveller  handles 

In  his  weary  journeying, 
Thorns  may  tear  his  dusty  sandals, 

Fangs  bis  tender  feet  may  sting  ; 
But  were  life  devoid  of  pain. 
Bliss  were  proffered  man  in  vain. 
Look  aloft,  where  light  is  breaking 

Through  this  doubt-enveloped  sky — 
Forward  leap,  the  joy  partaking, 

Of  a  higher  destiny. 
Lift  thy  staff,  and  move  apace 
In  the  ^7<7rem-thronging  race.  T.  G.  Spear. 


PILGRIMAGE.  443 


There  is  a  light  on  the  hills,  and  the  valley  is  past ! 

Ascend,  happy  pilgrim !  thy  labours  are  o'er ! 
The  sunshine  of  Heaven  around  thee  is  cast, 
And  thy  weak,  doubting  footsteps  can  falter  no  more. 
On,  pilgrim  I  that  hill  richly  circled  with  rays 
Is  Zion  !     Lo,  there  is  the  "city  of  saints  !" 
And  the  beauties,  the  glories,  that  region  displays, 
Inspiration's  own  language  imperfectly  paints. 

Mrs.  Opie. 
Pilgrim,  burden'd  with  thy  sin, 

Come  the  way  to  Zion's  gate, 
There,  till  mercy  speaks  within, 

Knock,  and  weep,  and  watch,  and  wait. 
Knock — he  knows  the  sinner's  cry; 

Weep — he  loves  the  mourner's  tears  ; 
Watch — for  saving  grace  is  nigh  ; 

Wait — till  heavenly  grace  appears. 
Hark,  it  is  thy  Saviour's  voice, 

"Welcome  pilgrim  to  thy  rest." 
Now  within  the  gate  rejoice, 

Safe,  and  own'd,  and  bought,  and  blest. 
Safe — from  all  the  lures  of  vice ; 

Own'd — by  joys  the  contrite  know  ; 
Bought — by  love  and  life  the  price  ; 

Blest — the  mighty  debt  we  owe. 
Holy  pilgrim  what  for  thee, 

In  a  world  like  this  remain? 
From  thy  guarded  breast  shall  flee 

Fear,  and  shame,  and  doubt  and  pain. 
Fear — the  hope  of  heaven  shall  flee ; 

Shame — from  glory's  view  retire  ; 
Doubt — in  full  belief  shall  die  ; 

Pain — in  endless  joy  expire.  Crabbe. 

We  journey  through  a  vale  of  tears 

By  many  a  cloud  o'ercast  ; 
And  worldly  cares,  and  worldly  fears, 

Go  with  us  to  the  last ! 
Not  to  the  last — Thy  word  hath  said. 

Could  we  but  read  aright ; 
Poor  Pilgrim  !  lift,  in  hope,  thy  head  : 

At  eve  there  shall  be  light.        Bernard  Barton. 


PITY. 


PITY. 


To  him  that  is  afflicted  pity  should  be  shewed  from  his   friend.— 
Job,  v.  14. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that 
fear  him. — Psalm  ciii.  13. 

He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord. — Proverbs, 
six.  17. 

Genius  of  pity  1  exercise  thy  sway, 

And  with  thy  soft  emotions  soothe  each  breast ; 
May  every  heart  thy  kind  dictates  obey, 

And  be  thy  humanizing  pow'r  confess'd  ! 
May  sweet  Benevolence,  auspicious  fair, 

Vouchsafe  thy  cheering  progress  to  attend, 
And  smiling  Charity,  with  constant  care, 

Where'er  distress  appears,  her  succour  lend. 
In  the  drear  season  of  embitter'd  woe, 

Oh !  may  the  sons  of  opulence  and  ease 
Feel  pity's  genial  animating  glow, 

Nor  suffer  avarice  their  soul  to  freeze ! 
May  they,  whene'er  the  child  of  want  is  seen, 

Dispense  their  warm  benevolence  around, — 
The  hapless  suff'rer  from  misfortune  screen, 

Nor  to  a  narrow  sphere  their  mercies  bound  ! 
Not  to  the  wanderer  their  gifts  confine, 

But  the  sad  roofs  of  silent  woe  explore, 
Where  modest  mourners  secretly  repine, 

And,  unsoliciting,  their  wants  deplore. 
Then  shall  the  orphan's  and  the  widow's  prayer, 

To  Heav'n,  with  thanks  for  such  relief,  be  made ; 
The  welcome  boon  with  grateful  hearts  they  share, 

And  bless  the  donor  for  his  timely  aid.  Anon. 

Oh  !  do  not  seek  the  mirthful  throng, 

But  find  where  friendship  lingers, 
And  feel  the  strings,  untouched  so  long, 

Swept  o'er  by  Pity's  fingers. 
Though  not  a  star  has  lent  its  light, 

Who  knows  what  may  be  dawning  ? 
The  mists  that  robe  the  earth  at  night 

Precede  the  brightest  morning  !  J.  Burbidge. 


PLEASING.  446 


PLEASING— PLEASURE. 

The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  them  that  fear  Him. — Psalm  cxlvii.  11. 

He  that  loveth  pleasure  shall  be  a  poor  man  :  he  that  loveth  wine 
and  oil  shall  not  be  rich.— Proverbs,  xxi.  17. 

Hear  now   this,  thou    that  art  given    to   pleasures,  that  dwellest 
carelessly,  evil  shall  come  upon  thee.  -Isaiah,  xlvii.  8,  11. 

Walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every 
good  work.— Colossians,  i.  10. 

So  we  speak ;  not  as  pleasing  men,  but  God,  which  trieth  our  hearts# 
— I.  Thessalonians,  ii.  4. 

Admirers  of  false  pleasures  must  sustain 
The  weight  and  sharpness  of  ensuing  pain. 

John  Beaumont. 

Short  is  the  course  of  every  lawless  pleasure — 

Grief,  like  a  shade,  on  all  its  footsteps  waits, 

Scarce  visible  in  joy's  meridian  height ; 

But,  downwards  as  its  blaze  declining  speeds, 

The  dwarfish  shadow  to  a  giant  spreads.  Milton. 

Pleasures  are  few,  and  fewer  we  enjoy ; 
Pleasure,  like  quicksilver,  is  bright  and  coy ; 
We  strive  to  grasp  it,  with  our  utmost  skill, 
Still  it  eludes  us,  and  it  glitters  still : 
If  seized  at  last,  compute  your  mighty  gains  ; 
What  is  it  but  rank  poison  in  your  veins  ? 

Young, 
Pleasure  is  good,  and  man  for  pleasure  made  ; 
But  pleasure  full  of  glory  as  of  joy  ; 
Pleasure  which  neither  blushes  nor  expires. 

•  •###• 

Death  treads  in  pleasure's  footsteps  round  the  world, 
When  pleasure  treads  the  paths  which  reason  shuns. 

Young, 
Pleasure,  admitted  in  undue  degree, 
Enslaves  the  will,  nor  leaves  the  judgment  free. 

Peace  follows  virtue  as  its  sure  reward ; 
And  pleasure  brings  as  surely  in  her  train 
Remorse,  and  sorrow,  and  vindictive  pain. 

Cowper. 


446  PLEASING. 


Pleasures,  like  wonders,  quickly  lose  their  price, 
When  reason  or  experience  makes  us  wise. 

Bishop  King. 
If  the  soft  hand  of  winning  pleas  u re  leads 
By  living  waters  and  through  flowery  meads, 
Where  all  is  smiling,  tranquil,  and  serene ; 
And  vernal  beauty  paints  the  flattering  scene ; 
Oh !  teach  me  to  elude  each  latent  snare, 
And  whisper  to  my  sliding  heart — Beware ! 
With  caution  let  me  hear  the  syren's  voice, 
And  doubtful  with  a  trembling  heart  rejoice. 

Mrs.  Barhauld. 
Graces  withered  by  too  warm  a  beam, 
May  spread  and  flourish  in  the  dreary  shade  : 
And  pleasure,  to  voluptuous  guilt  denied, 
May  bloom  ambrosial  from  affliction's  thorn. 

George  Bally. 
All  these  fond  pleasures,  if  fond  things 

Deserve  so  good  a  name, 
Should  not  seduce  a  noble  mind 

To  stain  itself  with  shame. 
The  time  shall  come  when  all  these  same, 

Which  seem  so  rich  with  joy, 
Like  tyrants,  shall  torment  thy  mind, 

And  vex  tLoe  with  annoy.  Brandon. 

I  ask  Thee  for  the  daily  strength, 

To  none  that  ask  denied, 
And  a  mind  to  blend  with  outward  life 

While  keeping  at  Thy  side ; 
Content  to  fill  a  little  space, 

If  Thou  be  glorified. 
And  if  some  things  I  do  not  ask, 

In  my  cup  of  blessing  be, 
I  would  have  my  spirit  fill'd  the  more 

With  grateful  love  to  Thee — 
More  careful — not  to  serve  Thee  much, 

But  to  please  Thee  perfectly.        A.  L.  Waring. 

That  pleasure  is  of  all 

Most  bountiful  and  kind, 
That  fades  not  straight,  but  leaves 

A  living  joy  behind.  Campion. 


POVERTY.  447 


POVERTY. 

'I'm:  l.onl  maketh  j><i<>r.  and  maketh  rich  :  He  bringetfa  low,  and 
Uftetfa    api     I.  Samuel,  ii.  7. 

Give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches;   feed  me  with   food  convenient 

tor  me ; 

1   lie  lull,  and  deny  thee,  and    aay,   Who  i-    the    Lord?    or  lest 
I  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in  vain.    Proverbs, 
w\.  8,  :'. 

/  :  for  yours  i-  I      kingdom  of  God.— Luke,  vi.  i>0. 

In  a  great  trial  of  affliction,  the  abundance  of  their  joy,  and  their 
deep  poverty,  abounded  unto  the  riches  of  their  liberality.  II.  Corin- 
thians, viii.  2. 

If  well  thou  view'st  us  with  no  squinted  eye, 
No  partial  judgment,  thou  wilt  quickly  rate 
Thy  wealth  no  richer  than  my  poverty ; 
Sty  want  no  poorer  than  thy  rich  estate. 
Our  ends  and  births  alike,  in  this  as  I, 
Poor  thou  wert  born,  and  poor  again  shalt  die. 
My  little  fills  my  little-wishing  mind, 

Thou  having  more  than  much,  yet  seekest  more ; 
Who  seeks,  still  wishes  what  he  seeks  to  find ; 
Who  wishes,  wants  ;  and  whoso  wants,  is  poor  : 
Then  this  must  follow  of  necessity, 
Poor  are  thy  riches,  rich  my  poverty. 
Though  still  thou  gett'st,  yet  is  thy  want  not  spent. 

But  as  thy  wealth,  so  great  thy  wealthy  itch  ; 
But  with  my  little  I  have  great  content — 
Content  hath  all,  and  who  hath  all  is  rich ; 
Then  this  in  reason  thou  must  needs  confess, 
If  I  have  little,  yet  that  thou  hast  less. 
Whatever  man  possesses,  G-od  has  lent. 

And  to  his  audit  liable  is  ever, 
To  reckon  how,  and  where,  and  when  he  spent. 
Then  thus  thou  bragg'st  thou  art  a  great  receiver. 
Little  my  debt,  when  little  is  my  store, 
The  more  thou  hast,  thy  debt  still  grows  the  more. 
But  seeing  God  himself  descended  down, 
T'  enrich  the  poor  by  His  deep  poverty, 
His  meat,  his  house,  his  grave  were  not  his  own, 
Yet  all  is  His  from  all  eternity  ; 

Let  me  be  like  my  Head,  whom  I  adore, 
Be  thou  great,  wealthy,  I  still  base  and  poor. 

Phineas  Fletcher, 


448  POVERTY. 


I  would  be  great,  but  that  the  sun  doth  still 

Level  his  rays  against  the  rising  hill ; 

I  would  be  high,  but  see  the  proudest  oak, 

Most  subject  to  the  rending  thunder-stroke ; 

I  would  be  rich,  but  see  men,  too  unkind, 

Dig  in  the  bowels  of  the  richest  mine  : 

I  would  be  wise,  but  that  I  often  see 

The  fox  suspected,  whilst  the  ass  goes  free : 

I  would  be  fair,  but  see  the  fair  and  proud, 

Like  the  bright  sun,  oft  setting  in  a  cloud : 

I  would  be  poor,  but  know  the  humble  grass 

Still  trampled  on  by  each  unworthy  ass  ; 

Rich  hated  :  wise  suspected  :  scorn'd  if  poor : 

Great  fear'd  :  fair  tempted :  high  still  envied  more  : 

I  have  wish'd  all ;  but  now  I  wish  for  neither ; 

Great,  high,  rich,  wise,  nor  fair ;  poor  T 11  be  rather. 

Sir  Henry  Wotton. 

No  soil  like  poverty  for  growth  divine, 
As  leanest  land  supplies  the  richest  mine. 
Earth  gives  too  little,  giving  only  bread, 
To  nourish  pride,  or  turn  the  weakest  head. 

Cowper. 

Around  each  pure,  domestic  shrine, 
Bright  flowers  of  Eden  bloom  and  twine  ; 

Our  hearths  are  altars  all : 
The  prayers  of  hungry  souls  and  poor, 
Like  armed  angels  at  the  door, 

Our  unseen  foes  appal.  Keble. 

And  what  is  want  ?     'T  is  virtue's  test : 
What  weakness  ?     An  escape  from  pride  : 

That  life  on  earth  may  be  the  best 
In  which,  by  woe,  the  soul  is  tried : 

For  He  whose  word  is  ever  sure, 

Hath  said  that  "Blessed  are  the  Poor." 

H.  S.  Weld. 

If  poverty — a  bitter  medicine — cure 
The  soul's  distempers,  blessed  are  the  poor  ; 
Yea,  if  ye  be  Christ's  poor,  thrice  blessed  men  are  ye. 

Thomas  Mc  Kellar. 


POWER.  419 


POWER. 

Power  belongeth  unto  God.— Psalm  lxii.  11. 

Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  power*.    For  there  is  no 
power  but  of  God:  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God. 

Whosoever  therefore  resisteth  the  power,  resisteth  the  ordinance  of 
God. — Romans,  xiii.  1,  2. 

Upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of  His  power. — Hebrews,  i.  3. 

O,  all-preparing  Providence  divine  ! 

In  thy  large  book,  what  secrets  are  enrolled, 
What  sundry  helps  doth  Thy  great  'power  assign, 

To  prop  the  course  which  Thou  intend'st  to  hold  1 
What  mortal  sense  is  able  to  define 

Thy  mysteries,  Thy  councils  manifold ! 
It  is  Thy  wisdom  strangely  that  extends 
Obscure  proceedings  to  apparent  ends. 

Michael  Drayton. 
There  is  a  power 
Unseen,  that  rules  the  illimitable  world, 
That  guides  its  motions  from  the  brightest  star 
To  the  least  dust  of  this  sin-tainted  mould. 
While  man,  who  madly  deems  himself  the  Lord 
Of  all,  is  nought  but  weakness  and  dependence. 
This  sacred  truth,  by  sure  experience  taught, 
They  must  have  learn'd  when  wand'ring  all  alone, 
Each  bird,  each  insect,  flitting  through  the  sky, 
Was  more  sufficient  for  itself  than  thou.  Thomson. 

For  the  strong  spirit  will  at  times  awake, 
Piercing  the  mists  that  wrap  her  clay  abode ; 
And,  born  of  thee,  she  may  not  always  take 
Earth's  accents  for  the  oracles  of  God ; 
And  ev'n  in  this — O  dust,  whose  mask  is  power! 
Reed,  that  wouldst  be  a  scourge  thy  little  hour ! 
Spark,  whereon  yet  the  mighty  hath  not  trod, 
And  therefore  thou  destroyest, — where  were  flown 
Our  hope,  if  man  were  left  to  man's  decrees  alone. 

Mrs.  Hem  an  s. 
O  put  away  thy  pride, 

Or  be  ashamed  of  power, 
That  cannot  turn  aside 

The  breeze  that  waves  a  flower.  Clare. 

*  2  G 


450  POWEB. 


I  've  thought,  at  gentle  and  ungentle  hour, 

Of  many  an  act  and  giant  shape  of  power; 

Of  the  old  kings  with  high  exacting  looks 

Sceptered  and  globed  ;  of  eagles  on  their  rocks 

With  straining  feet,  and  that  fierce  mouth  and  drear, 

Answering  the  strain  with  downward  drag  austere ; 

Of  the  rich-headed  lion,  whose  huge  frown, 

All  his  great  nature,  gathering,  seems  to  crown ; 

Then  of  cathedral  with  its  priestly  height, 

Seen  from  below  at  superstitious  night ; 

Of  ghastly  castle,  that  eternally 

Holds  its  blind  visage  out  to  the  lone  sea ; 

And  of  all  sunless  subterranean  deeps 

The  creature  makes,  who  listens  while  he  sleeps; 

Avarice ;  and  then  of  those  old  earthly  cones, 

That  stride,  they  say,  over  heroic  bones  ; 

And  those  stone  heaps  Egyptian,  whose  small  doors 

Look  like  low  dens,  under  precipitous  shores  ; 

And  him,  great  Memnon,  that  long  sitting  by, 

In  seeming  idleness,  with  stony  eye, 

Sang  at  the  morning's  touch,  like  poetry ; 

And  then  of  all  the  fierce  and  bitter  fruit 

Of  the  proud  planting  of  a  tyrannous  foot, 

Of  bruised  right,  and  flourishing  bad  men, 

And  virtue  wasting  heavenwards  from  a  den ; 

Brute  force,  and  fury ;  and  the  devilish  drouth 

Of  the  fool  cannon's  ever-gaping  mouth; 

And  the  bride-widowing  sword;  and  the  harsh  bray 

The  sneering  trumpet  sends  across  the  fray  ; 

And  all  which  lights  the  people-thinning  star 

That  selfishness  invokes — the  horsed  war, 

Panting  along  with  many  a  bloody  mane. 

Leigh  Hunt. 

All-knowing,  all-directing  God! 

In  whom  we  move  and  live, 
Our  thoughts,  and  works,  and  empty  days, 

And  careless  wrongs  forgive ; 
But  most  in  need  the  cruel  heart 

That  breeds  the  conscious  wrong, 
And  cares  not  for  the  consequence 

To  helpless  old  and  young. 


POWER.  451 


Some  wilful  deeds  are  perfect  crimes, 

And  some  less  wicked  are, 
Because  'twas  meant  that  good  should  spring 

Beneath  the  baleful  star. 
Yet  of  all  sinful  beings  most 

In  need  of  mercy  those, 
Who  having  power  much  good  to  do, 

All  goodness  would  oppose, 
And  turn  heaven's  bounteous  gifts  to  gall, 

And  nature's  smiles  to  blows.  Some. 

'Tis  not  in  mockery  of  man  that  earth 
Is  strewed  with  splendid  fragments,  temple,  tower ; 
That  realms,  where  glory  sprang  full-arm'd  to  birth, 
Are  desolate,  the  snake  and  tiger's  bower  : 
They  lie  the  monuments  of  misused  power, 
Not  freaks  of  fate,  but  warnings  against  crime  : 
And  ancient  Babylon  might,  at  this  hour, 
Had  she  been  guiltless,  stand  as  in  her  prime, 
Nay,  stand  in  growing  pomp,  till   God  had   finished 
time.  Croly. 

But,  God  be  thanked  !  they  are  moments  only  when 

Man,  subdued  by  nature's  mightiest  poiver, 

Thinks  even  his  purer  self  the  sport  of  waves. 

In  such  like  moments  'tis  the  Godhead  shows  us 

The  distance  'twixt  itself  and  us, — chastises 

Man's  vain  audacity  to  equal  it, 

And  casts  him  back  to  nothingness  and  woe. 

In  such  like  moments,  even  the  wisest  sinks 

Unto  the  dust :  he,  too,  is  formed  of  dust ; 

But  soon  again  he  rises  purified 

By  Fate's  worst  blast,  and  thus  the  Eternal's  will 

Declares  and  proves  its  own  omnipotence. 

From  the  German  of  Herder. 

With  God  a  thousand  years  are  as  one  day ; 
He  in  one  day  can  sum  a  thousand  years ; 
All  acts  with  him  are  equal ;  for  no  more 
It  costs  Omnipotence  to  build  a  world, 
And  set  a  sun  amidst  the  firmament, 
Than  mould  a  dewdrop,  and  light  up  a  gem. 

R.  Montgomery. 


452  PRAISE. 


PRAISE. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.    Praise  the  Lord,  0  niy  soul. 

While  I  live  will  I  praise  the   Lord :    I  will   sing  praises   unto  my 
God  while  I  have  any  being. — Psalm  cxlvi.  1,  2. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord.     Praise   God  in   his   sanctuary  :   praise  him  in 
the  firmament  of  his  power. 

Praise  him  for  his  mighty  acts  :  praise  him  according  to  his  excel- 
lent greatness. 

Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath  praise  the  Lord. — Psalm  cl.  1,  2,  6. 

For  they  loved  the  praise  of   men  more  than  the  praise  of   God. — 
John,  xii.  43. 

My  God !  I  will  address  Thee 

In  loudest  hymns  of  praise  ; 
Then,  too,  my  soul  shall  bless  Thee, 

When  mute  in  deep  amaze  ; 
For  Thou,  who  kind  receivest 

Each  word  to  be  addressed, 
The  silent  thought  perceivest, 

The  feeling  unexpressed. 
And,  while  we  ne'er  can  know 

Thy  deep  and  wondrous  ways, 
Words  sink  far,  far  below 

Thy  due  reward  of  praise. 

From  the  Greek  of  Synesius. 

O!  while  thy  sinful  soul  can  cast 

Sin's  robes  away — redeem  the  past, 

If  not  in  deeds,  in  words  to  praise  thy  Maker  haste. 

In  sacred  hymns  employ  the  day, 
In  praises  pass  the  night  away  ; 
And  let  the  martyrs'  praise  attune  the  willing  lay. 

O  what  a  privilege,  could  I, 
The  prison  of  mortality 
Thus  burst,  and  breathing  forth  this  language,  die ! 

From  the  Spanish  of  Prudentius. 

Not  thankful  when  it  pleaseth  me ; 
As  if  Thy  blessings  had  spare  days : 
But  such  a  heart  whose  pulse  may  be 
Thy  praise. 

George  Herbert. 


PRAIS1.  163 


Fountains,  and  ye  that  warble  as  ye  flow, 

Melodious  murmurs,  warbling  tune  His  praise. 

Join  voices  all  ye  living  souls:  ye  birds, 

That  singing  up  to  heaven's  gate  ascend, 

Bear  on  your  wings  and  in  your  notes  His  praise; 

Ye  that  in  waters  glide,  and  ye  that  walk  the  earth, 

And  stately  tread,  or  lowly  creep  ; 

Witness  if  I  be  silent  morn  or  even, 

To  hill  or  valley,  fountain,  or  fresh  shade, 

Made  vocal  by  my  song,  and  taught  His  praise. 

Milton. 

To  God,  who  sits  in  highest  seat, 

Glory  and  power  given  be ; 
To  father,  Son,  and  Paraclete, 

Who  reign  in  equal  dignity, 
Whose  boundless  power  we  still  adore, 
And  sing  their  praise  for  evermore.  Drummond. 

While  this  immortal  spark  of  heavenly  flame 

Distends  my  breast,  and  animates  my  frame, 

To  thee  my  ardent  praises  shall  be  borne 

On  the  first  breeze  that  wakes  the  blushing  morn ; 

The  latest  star  shall  hear  the  pleasing  sound, 

And  nature  in  full  choir  shall  join  around. 

When  full  of  Thee,  my  soul  excursive  flies 

Through  earth,  air,  ocean,  or  thy  regal  skies ; 

From  world  to  world  new  wonders  still  I  find, 

And  all  the  Godhead  flashes  on  my  mind, 

When,  winged    with   whirlwinds,  vice   shall   take   its 

flight 
To  the  deep  bosom  of  eternal  night, 
To  Thee  my  soul  shall  endless  praises  pay : 
Join,  men  and  angels!  join  the  exalted  lay. 

Blacklock. 

If  no  basis  bear  my  rising  name 
But  the  fallen  ruins  of  another's  fame ; 
Then  teach  me,  Heaven  !  to  scorn  the  guilty  bays ; 
Drive  from  my  breast  that  wretched  lust  of  praise  : 
Unblemished  let  me  live,  or  die  unknown  ; 
O,  grant  me  honest  fame,  or  grant  me  none. 

Pope. 


454  PBAISE. 


Nor  absolutely  vain  is  human  praise, 

Where  human  is  supported  by  divine.  Young. 

My  fears  of  danger,  while  I  breathe, 

My  dread  of  endless  hell  beneath, 

My  sense  of  sorrow  for  my  sin, 

To  springing  comfort  change  within ; 

Change  all  my  sad  complaints  for  ea*e, 

To  cheerful  notes  of  endless  praise.  Parnell. 

The  praise  I  make  will  then  be  sweet  indeed, 

If  Thou  the  Spirit  give  by  which  I  pray: 

My  unassisted  heart  is  barren  clay, 
That  of  its  native  self  can  nothing  feed ; 
Of  good  and  pious  works  Thou  art  the  seed 

That  quickens  only  where  Thou  sayest  it  may ; 

Unless  Thou  show  to  us  Thy  own  true  way, 
No  man  can  find  it.     Father !  Thou  must  lead : 

Do  Thou  then  breathe  these  thoughts  into  my  mind 
By  which  such  virtue  may  in  me  be  bred, 
That  in  Thy  holy  footsteps  I  may  tread : 

The  fetters  of  my  tongue  do  Thou  unbind, 
That  I  may  have  the  power  to  sing  to  Thee ; 
And  sound  Thy  praises  everlastingly.  Wordsworth. 

Up  to  the  throne  of  God  is  borne 
The  voice  of  praise  at  early  morn, 
And  He  accepts  the  punctual  hymn 
Sung  as  the  light  of  day  grows  dim. 

Nor  will  He  turn  His  ear  aside 

From  holy  offerings  at  noontide ; 

Then  here,  reposing,  let  us  raise 

A  song  of  gratitude  and  praise.  Wordsworth. 

Oh,  for  the  harp  that  David  swept, 

At  whose  divine  entrancing  sound, 
The  evil  spirit  distance  kept, 

While  holier  visions  hover'd  round: 
Oh  for  such  harp,  in  these  our  days, 
To  speak  a  God's,  a  Saviour's  praise.  Barton. 


PRAISE.  455 


From  yon  lowly  roof,  whose  curling  smoke 
O'ermounts  the  mist,  Is  heard  at  intervals 
The  voice  of  psalms — the  simple  song  of  praise. 

Graham. 

And  now,  with  fixed  intent  and  mind  sincere, 
Lift  up  your  eyes  from  earth,  to  praise  with  me 
The  Sovereign  Lord,  who  reigns  in  heaven  above, 
And  try  to  follow  where  I  shew  the  way. 
But  be  it  yours,  while  joining  in  the  pra; 
That  not  your  tongue  so  much  as  heart  may  share. 
O  love  supreme,  full-orbed  and  glorious  sun. 
Compared  with  whom  that  other  is  but  night, 
The  world's  true  life  alone,  the  world's  true  light! 
O  Thou  whose  breath  created  it  at  first, 
And  still  upholdest  with  a  father's  care ! 
Whate'er  Thou  wiliest,  who  hast  power  to  do ! 
O  fountain  without  rise,  whose  boundless  stream 
Flows  without  ebb,  and  undiminished  pours ! 
Who  from  Thyself  derivest,  underived  ! 
And  in  Thyself  hast  ever  lived  ! 
Who,  when  revealed  the  most,  then  most  art  hid ! 
Thou,  if  the  soul  has  breathed  one  true  desire 
To  see  Thy  light,  wilt  give  it  wings  for  heaven, 
To  mount  a  phoenix  at  Thy  beam  revived ! 
Since  nought  there  is  beside  Thee,  in  Thyself 
And  of  Thyself  sole  blest !  since  only  Thou 
Conferrest  good,  and  to  receive  must  give. 
Deign  in  my  heart,  to  light  the  holy  flame, 
And  by  my  lips  give  glory  to  Thy  name. 

From  the  Italian  of  Celio  Magno. 

God  of  the  fair  and  open  sky ! 

How  gloriously  above  us  springs 
The  tented  dome  of  heavenly  blue, 

Suspended  on  the  rainbow's  rings  ! 
Each  brilliant  star  that  sparkles  through, 

Each  gilded  cloud  that  wanders  free 
In  evening's  purple  radiance,  gives 

The  beauty  of  its  praise  to  Thee ! 

W.  B.  O.  Peabody. 


456  PRAYER. 


PEAYEE. 


0  LORD  God  of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer :  give  ear,  0  God  of  Jacob. 
— Psalm  lxxxiv.  8. 

But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet,  and  when  thou 
hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father,  which  is  in  secret ;  and  thy 
Father,  which  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee  openly.— Matthew, 
vi.  6. 

Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication 
with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. — 
Philippians,  iv.  6. 

Is  any  among  you  afflicted?  let  him  pray.— James,  v.  13. 

The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much.— 
James,  v.  16. 

Even  as  Elias,  mounting  to  the  sky, 

Did  cast  his  mantle  to  the  earth  behind, 

So,  when  the  heart  presents  the  prayer  on  high, 
Exclude  the  world  from  traffic  with  the  mind : 

Lips  near  to  God,  and  ranging  heart  within, 

Is  but  vain  babbling,  and  converts  to  sin. 

Robert  Southwell. 

Temporal  blessings  Heaven  oft  doth  share 

Unto  the  wicked,  at  the  good  man's  prayer. 

Quarles. 

When  we  of  helps  or  hopes  are  quite  bereaven, 

Our  humble  prayers  have  entrance  into  Heaven. 

Ford. 
Petitions  yet  remain 

Which  Heaven  may  hear,  nor  deem  Eeligion  vain. 

Still  raise  for  good  the  supplicating  voice, 

But  leave  to  Heaven  the  measures  and  the  choice. 

Safe  in  His  power  whose  eyes  discern  afar, 

The  secret  ambush  of  a  specious  prayer  ; 

Implore  His  aid,  in  His  decisions  rest, 

Secure  whate'er  He  gives,  He  gives  the  best. 

Dr.  Johnson. 

O  may  my  prayers  before  Thy  throne  arise, 

An  humble  but  accepted  sacrifice ! 

And  when  Thou  shalt  my  weary  eyelids  close, 

And  to  my  body  grant  a  sweet  repose, 

May  my  ethereal  guardian  kindly  spread 

His  wings,  and  from  the  tempter  shield  my  head ! 

May  of  Thy  heavenly  light  some  piercing  beams 

Illume  my  sleep,  and  sanctify  my  dreams.  Watts. 


PRAYFR.  457 


What  various  hindrances  we  meet 

In  coming  to  a  mercy-seat ! 

Yet  who  that  knows  the  worth  of  prayer 

But  wishes  to  be  often  there  ? 

Prayer  makes  the  darkened  cloud  withdraw, 
Prayer  climbs  the  ladder  Jacob  saw, 
Gives  exercise  to  faith  and  love, 
Brings  every  blessing  from  above. 

Restraining  prayer,  we  cease  to  fight ; 

Prayer  makes  the  Christian's  armour  bright ; 

And  Satan  trembles  when  he  sees 

The  weakest  saint  upon  his  knees.  Cowper. 

Enthroned  amidst  the  worlds  of  light, 

Jehovah  rules  the  realms  of  bliss ; 
Yet  bends  to  scenes  of  earthly  night, 

To  such  a  house  of  pain  as  this ! 
The  glories  of  the  heavenly  plains 

Hide  not  one  mourner  from  his  eye, 
Nor  can  the  seraphs'  loudest  strains 

Drown,  by  their  sound,  the  faintest  sigh. 

Oh  Prayer  !  thou  mine  of  things  unknown, 

Who  can  be  poor  possessing  thee  ? 
Thou  wert  a  fount  of  joy  alone, 

Better  than  worlds  of  gold  could  be. 
Were  I  bereft  of  all  beside, 

That  bears  the  form  or  name  of  bliss, 
I  yet  were  rich,  what  will  betide, 

If  God,  in  mercy,  leave  me  this.  Edmeston. 


Prayer,  surpassing  human  might ; 

Prayer,  heaven's  holy  portress  ; 
Prayer,  the  saint's  supreme  delight, 

Prayer,  the  sinner's  fortress. 
Prayer  and  faith  can  joy  impart, 

Joy  beyond  expressing, 
And  call  down  upon  the  heart 

Israel's  choicest  blessing. 

Bernard  Barton. 


458  PKAYEB. 


Prayer  is  the  soul's  sincere  desire, 

Uttered  or  unexpressed; 
The  motion  of  a  hidden  fire 

That  trembles  in  the  breast. 
Prayer  is  the  burden  of  a  sigh, 

The  falling  of  a  tear, 
The  upward  glancing  of  an  eye, 

When  none  but  God  is  near. 
Prayer  is  the  simplest  form  of  speech 

That  infant  lips  can  try  ; 
Prayer  the  sublimest  strains  that  reach 

The  majesty  on  high. 

Prayer  is  the  Christian's  vital  breath, 

The  Christian's  native  air ; 
His  watchword  in  the  hour  of  death, 

He  enters  Heaven  with  prayer. 

Prayer  is  the  contrite  sinner's  voice, 

Returning  from  his  ways, 
While  angels  in  their  hymns  rejoice, 

And  cry,  "Behold  he  prays  /" 

O  Thou  by  whom  we  come  to  God, 

The  life,  the  truth,  the  way, 
The  path  of  grayer  Thyself  hath  trod, — 

Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray.         J.  Montgomery . 

Arrested  suns  and  tranquill'd  seas  declare 

To  heav'n  and  earth  th'  omnipotence  of  prayer, 

That  gives  the  hopeless  hope,  the  feeble  might, 

Outruns  the  swift,  and  puts  the  strong  to  flight, 

The  noontide  arrow  foils,  and  plague  that  stalks  by  night: 

Unmatch'd  in  power,  unbounded  in  extent, 

As  omnipresent  as  omnipotent, 

To  no  meridian  nor  clime  confined, 

Man  with  his  fellow-man,  and  mind  to  mind, 

'T  is  hers,  in  links  of  love  and  charity  to  bind. 

But  farther  still  extends  her  awful  reign : 

To  her  indeed  belongs  that  golden  chain 

From  fabled  God  and  their  Olympus  riven ; 

But,  since  to  truth  and  her  adorers  given, 

E'en  with  his  Maker  man  to  join,  and  earth  with  heaven. 


PBAYEB.  459 


Then  let  those  lips  that  never  pray d,  begin: 

We  must  or  cease  to  pray,  or  cease  to  sin  ; 

Each  earth-born  want  and  wish,  a  grov'ling  brood, 

Are  oft  mistaken,  or  misunderstood  ; 

But  who  would  dare  to  pray  for  aught  that  is  not  good? 

Is  or  that  our  prayers  makeHeav'n  more  prompt  to  give, 

But  they  make  us  more  worthy  to  receive : 

There  is  in  that  celestial  treasury 

Wealth  inexhaustible,  admission  free ; 

But  he  that  never  prays,  rejects  the  golden  key. 

Colton. 

Prayer  is   a  creature's  strength,  his  very  breath  and 

being ; 
Prayer  is  the  golden  key  that  can  open  the  wicket  of 

mercy ; 
Prayer  is  the  magic  sound  that  saith  to  fate,  so  be  it ; 
Prayer  is  the  slender  nerve  that  moveth  the  muscles 

of  Omnipotence. 
Wherefore,  pray,  O  creature,  for  many  and  great  are 

thy  wants  : 
Thy  mind,  thy  conscience,  and  thy  being,  thy  rights 

commend  thee  unto  prayer, 
The  cure  of  all  cares,  the  grand  panacea  for  all  pains, 
Doubt's   destroyer,  ruin's  remedy,  the  antidote  to  all 

anxieties.  Martin  F.  Tapper. 

But  holiest  rite  or  longest  prayer 
That  soul  can  yield,  or  wisdom  frame, 
What  better  import  can  it  bear 

Than  "Father,  hallowed  be  Thy  name  !" 

Eliza  Cook. 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  the  spirit  of  prayer, 

Thy  grace,  thy  mercy  to  implore  ; 
Let  not  my  wilful  spirit  dare 

To  count  secure  her  present  store. 
The  richer  falls  Thy  dew  of  grace, 

The  humbler  let  my  head  descend, 
Till  mercy's  sun  in  boundless  space 

Shall  shed  its  bliss,  time  without  end. 

John  Jay  Adams. 


460  PREACHING. 


PREACHING. 

HOW  then  shall  they  call  on  Him  in  whom  they  have  not  believed  ? 
and  how  shall  they  believe  in  Him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard? 
and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher? 

And  how  shall  they  preach,  except  they  be  sent. — Romans,  x.  14,  15. 

For,  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  the  world  by  wisdom  knew 
not  God,  it  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  them 
that  believe.—  I.  Corinthians,  i.  21. 

Preach  the  word ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season ;  reprove, 
rebuke,  exhort,  with  all  long-suffering  and  doctrine.— II.  Timothy,  iv.  2. 

He  bore  his  great  commission  in  his  look, 

But  sweetly  tempered  awe,  and  softened  all  he  spoke. 

He  preached  the  joys  of  Heaven,  and  pains  of  hell, 

And  warned  the  sinner  with  becoming  zeal, 

But  on  eternal  mercy  loved  to  dwell.  Dry  den. 

But  above  all,  in  her  own  light  array'd, 

See  mercy's  grand  apocalypse  display'd ! 

The  sacred  book  no  longer  suffers  wrong, 

Bound  in  the  fetters  of  an  unknown  tongue  ; 

But  speaks  with  plainness,  art  could  never  mend, 

What  simplest  minds  can  soonest  comprehend. 

God  gives  the  word,  the  preachers  throng  around, 

Live  from  his  lips,  and  spread  the  glorious  sound : 

That  sound  bespeaks  salvation  on  her  way, 

The  trumpet  of  a  life-restoring  day ; 

'Tis  heard  where  England's  eastern  glory  shines, 

And  in  the  gulfs  of  her  Cornubian  mines. 

And  still  it  spreads.     See  Germany  send  forth 

Her  sons  to  pour  it  on  the  farthest  north: 

Fired  with  a  zeal  peculiar,  they  defy 

The  rage  and  rigour  of  a  polar  sky, 

And  plant  successfully  sweet  Sharon's  rose 

On  icy  plains,  and  in  eternal  snows.  Cowper. 

No  studied  eloquence  was  there  displayed, 
Nor  poetry  of  language  lent  its  aid  ; 
But  plain  the  words  that  from  the  preacher  came ; 
A  preacher  young,  and  all  unknown  to  fame  ; 
While  youth  and  age  a  listening  ear  inclined, 
To  learn  the  way  the  pearl  of  price  to  find. 

Elizabeth  Bog  art. 


PBEPARATION.  461 


PREPAKATION. 

TliE  preparations  of  the  heart  in  niau,  and  the  answer  of  the  tongue, 
is  from  the  Lord. — Proverbs,  xvi.  1. 

For  since  the  beginning  of  the  world  men  have  not  heard,  nor 
perceived  by  the  ear.  neither  hath  the  eye  seen,  O  God,  beside  thee, 
what  he  hath  prepared  for  him  that  waiteth  for  him. — Isaiah,  lxiv.  4. 

Prepare  to  meet  thy  God.— Amos.  iv.  12. 

Blaspheme  not  Heaven  with  rash,  impatient  speech, 

Nor  deem,  at  thine  own  hour,  its  rest  to  reach, 

Unhappy  child !     The  full-appointed  time 

Is  His  to  choose ;  and  when  the  sullen  chime 

And  deep-toned  striking  of  the  funeral  bell, 

Thy  fate  to  earthly  ears  shall  sadly  tell, 

O  !  may  the  death  thou  talk'st  of  as  a  boon, 

Find  thee  prepared,  nor  come,  even  then,  too  soon ! 

Mrs.  Norton. 

If  no  more 
From  its  calmed  deeps  shall  rise  the  fettered  sea, 
If  Heaven's  fair  bow  proclaims  the  peril  o'er ; 
A  wreck  more  fearful  yet  remains  for  thee ; 
Time  only  bears  thee  to  eternity. 
Tread  then  the  path  thy  bright  Exemplar  trod ; 
Think  on  the  day  when  this  vast  earth  shall  be 
In  bursting  flames  dissolved — yon  skies  so  broad 
Shrink    like   a   shrivelled    scroll. — "  Prepare    to   meet 
thy  God."  Dale. 

Prepare  me  gracious  God 

To  stand  before  thy  face ! 
Thy  spirit  must  the  work  perform 

For  it  is  all  of  grace. 

In  Christ's  obedience  clothe 

And  wash  me  in  His  blood ! 
So  shall  I  lift  my  hand  with  joy 

Among  the  sons  of  God. 

Do  thou  my  sins  subdue  ; 

Thy  sov'reign  love  make  known ; 
The  spirit  of  my  mind  renew, 

And  save  me  in  thy  Son.  Anon. 


462  PEESENCE. 


PRESENCE— OMNIPRESENCE. 

O  God,  when  Thou  wentest  forth  before  Thy  people,  when  Thou 
didst  march  through  the  wilderness; 

The  earth  shook,  the  heavens  also  dropped  at  the  presence  of  God : 
even  Sinai  itself  was  moved  at  the  presence  of  God,  the  God  of  Israel. 
—Psalm  lxviii.  7,  8. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  Thy  Spirit?  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from 
Thy  presence  t 

If  I  ascend  up  into  Heaven,  Thou  art  there :  if  I  make  my  bed  in 
hell,  behold,  Thou  art  there. 

If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  sea; 

Even  there  shall  Thy  hand  lead  me,  and  Thy  right  hand  shall  hold 
me.— Psalm  cxxxix.  7,  8,  9,  10. 

What! — will  a  man  play  tricks,  will  lie  indulge 

A  silly  fond  conceit  of  his  fair  form, 

And  just  proportion,  fashionable  mien, 

A  pretty  face,  in  presence  of  his  God?  Cowper. 

Come,  holy,  holy,  holy  Lord ! 

Thou  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit  come ! 
I  lean  upon  Thy  changeless  word ; 

M  ake  the  faithful  soul  Thy  home ! 
Arm  of  the  Lord,  awake !  awake  ! 

In  me  Thy  glorious  self  reveal : 
Let  me  thy  sevenfold  gifts  partake : 

All,  all  Thy  mighty  presence  feel.         C.  Wesley. 

Yes ! — what  was  earth  to  him,  whose  spirit  passed 
Time's  utmost  bounds? — on  whose  unshrinking  sight 
Ten  thousand  shapes  of  burning  glory  cast 
Their  full  resplendence? — Majesty  and  might 
"Were  in  his  dreams ; — for  him  the  veil  of  light 
Shrouding  Heaven's  inmost  sanctuary  and  throne, 
The  curtain  of  the  unutterably  bright, 
Was  raised ! — to  him,  in  fearful  splendour  shown, 
Ancient  of  days  !  e'en  Thou  mad'st  Thy  dread  presence 
known.  Mrs.  Hemans. 

In  all  the  immense,  the  strange,  and  old, 
Thy  presence  careless  men  behold ; 
In  all  the  little,  weak,  and  mean, 
By  Faith  be  thou  as  clearly  seen. 


John  Sterling. 


presence.  463 

Thou  teachest  not  a  leaf  can  grow, 
Till  life  from  Thee  within  it  flow; 
That  not  a  speck  of  dust  can  be, 
O  Fount  of  Being,  save  by  Thee ! 

What  joy,  while  here  I  view  the  day, 
That  warns  my  thirsting  soul  away ; 

What  transports  fill  my  breast ! 
For  lo  !  my  great  Redeemer's  power 
Unfolds  the  everlasting  door, 

And  leads  me  to  His  rest. 

The  festal  morn,  my  God,  is  come, 
That  calls  me  to  the  hallowed  dome, 

Thy  presence  to  adore ; 
My  feet  the  summons  shall  attend, 
With  willing  steps  Thy  courts  ascend, 

And  tread  th'  ethereal  floor.  Merrick. 

God  hath  a  presence,  and  that  ye  may  see 
In  the  fold  of  the  flower,  the  leaf  of  the  tree, 
In  the  sun  of  the  noon-day,  the  star  of  the  night, 
In  the  storm-cloud  of  darkness,  the  rainbow  of  night. 
In  the  waves  of  the  ocean,  the  furrows  of  land, 
In  the  mountain  of  granite,  the  atom  of  sand. 
Turn  where  ye  may,  from  the  sky  to  the  sod, 
Where  can  ye  gaze  that  ye  see  not  God. 

Eliza   Cool:. 

Soul  of  the  world,  All-seeing  Eye, 
Where,  where  shall  man  Thy  presence  fly  ? 
Say,  would  he  climb  the  starry  height  ? 
All  Heaven  is  instinct  with  Thy  Light : — 
Dwell  in  the  darkness  of  the  grave  ? 
Yea,  Thou  art  there  to  judge  and  save. 

In  vain  on  wings  of  morn  we  soar, 

In  vain  the  realms  of  space  explore, 

In  vain  retreat  to  shades  of  night, — 

From  what  can  veil  us  from  Thy  sight  ? 

Distance  dissolves  before  Thy  ray. 

And  darkness  kindles  into  day.  William  Peter. 


464  PRIDE. 


PRIDE. 

EVERY  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord. — 
Proverbs,  xvi.  5. 

Pride  goeth  before  destruction,  and  an  haughty  spirit  before  a  fall. 
— Proverbs,  xvi.  18. 

Better  is  the  end  of   a  thing  than  the  beginning  thereof ;   and  the 
patient  in  spirit  is  better  than  the  proud  in  spirit. — Ecclesiastes,  vii.  8. 

The  day  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts  shall  be  upon  every  one  that  is  proud 
and  lofty. — Isaiah,  ii.  12. 

Small  things  make  base  men  proud.  Shakspere. 

When  grief,  that  well  might  humble,  swells  our  pride, 

And  pride  increasing  aggravates  our  grief, 

The  tempest  must  prevail  till  we  are  lost.  Lillo. 

Though  various  foes  against  the  truth  combine, 
Pride,  above  all,  opposes  her  design : 
Pride,  of  a  growth  superior  to  the  rest, 
The  subtlest  serpent,  with  the  loftiest  crest, 
Swells  at  the  thought,  and,  kindling  into  rage, 
Would  hiss  the  cherub  Mercy  from  the  stage. 

Cowper. 
Pride,  self-adoring  pride,  was  primal  cause 
Of  all  sin  past,  all  pain,  all  woe  to  come.  Pollok. 

Hate,  unbelief,  and  blasphemy  of  God, 

Envy  and  slender,  malice  and  revenge, 

And  murder  and  deceit,  and  every  birth 

Of  damned  sort,  were  progeny  of  pride.  Pollok. 

What  if  his  very  virtues 
Had  pampered  his  swol'n  heart,  and  made  him  proud  ? 
And  what  if  pride  had  duped  him  into  guilt  ? 

Coleridge. 
If  thou  be  one  whose  heart  the  hoiy  form 
Of  young  imagination  hath  kept  pure, 
Stranger!  henceforth  be  warn'd,  and  know  that  pride, 
Howe'er  disguised  in  its  own  majesty, 
Is  littleness  ;  that  he  who  feels  contempt 
For  any  living  thing,  hath  faculties 
Which  he  has  never  used,  that  thought  with  him 
Is  in  its  infancy.  Wordsworth. 


PRIEST.  465 


PRIEST. 

THE  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  will  not  repent,  then  art  a  priest  for 
ever  after  the  order  of  Melchizedek. — Psalm  ex.  4. 

Such  an  higb  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled, 
separate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens. 

For  the  law  maketh  men  high  priests  which  have  infirmity ;  but 
the  word  of  the  oath,  which  was  since  the  law,  maketh  the  Son.  who 
is  consecrated  for  evermore. — Hebrews,  vii.  26,  28. 


Behold,  Melchizedek! 
And  he  who  for  himself  and  for  his  seed 
Paid  tithes  to  him.  and  he  who  thus  bespake 
His  pious  Father:  "But  where  is  the  Lamb 
For  sacrifice  ?" — his  dignity  partake, 
Humbly  with  Isaac  and  with  Abraham, 
The  eternal  priest  bowed  down  in  silent  prayer. 
Messiah  thus — 

"Ere  Abraham  was,  I  am ! 
And  thou,  thou  priest  of  Salem,  who  while-ere 
Greeted  the  faithful  from  his  victory 
With  sacramental  blessing; — thou  wert  him 
Of  th'  everlasting  Order  and  Decree, 
Whence  bread  from  Heaven,  angelic  food  for  man, 
And  life  divine  outpoured  in  blood.     With  thee 
That  sacramental  ordinance  began, 
Accomplished  now.     Be  thou  a  priest  for  ever : 
I  swear,  nor  shall  repent      I  will — I  can — 
After  thine  Order  rule,  and  it  shall  never 
In  righteousness  and  peace,  surcease  to  hold 
Sway  and  dominion  when  and  wheresoever." 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

The  priestly  brotherhood,  devout,  sincere, 
From  mean  self-interest  and  ambition  clear, 
Their  hope  in  Heaven,  servility  their  scorn, 
Prompt  to  persuade,  expostulate,  and  warn. 
There  wisdom  pure,  and  given  them  from  above, 
Their  usefulness  ensured  by  zeal  and  love, 
As  meek  as  the  man  Moses,  and  withal 
As  bold  as  in  Agrippa's  presence,  Paul, 
Should  fly  the  world's  contaminating  touch, 
Holv  and  unpolluted.  Cowner. 

*  2h 


466  pbison. 


PRISON. 

Let  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner-  come  before  Thee ;  according  to  the 
greatness  of  Thy  power  preserve  Thou  those  that  are  appointed  to 
die.— Psalm  lxxix.  11. 

The  Lord  looseth  the  prisoners. — Psalm  cxlvi.  7. 

Turn  you  to  the  stronghold  ye  prisoners  of  hope.— Zechariah,  ix.  12. 

Peisonebs  of  hope,  arise, 

And  see  your  Lord  appear ! 
Lo !  on  the  wings  of  love  He  flies, 

And  brings  redemption  near. 

Redemption  in  His  blood 

He  calls  you  to  receive : 
"Look  unto  me,  the  pardoning  God  ; 

Believe,"  He  cries,  "believe !"  C.  Wesley. 

Though  not  a  human  voice  he  hears, 
And  not  a  human  form  appears 

His  solitude  to  share, 
He  is  not  ail  alone — the  eye 
Of  Him  who  hears  the  prisoners  sigh 

Is  even  on  him  there.  J.  L.  Chester. 

The  captive  welcomes  even  death's  relief: 
What  then,  to  him,  the  frowning  prison-walls, 

The  clanking  chain,  the  tyrant's  'vengeful  spite  ? 
From  the  freed  spirit  every  shackle  falls, — 

Earth's  gloom  is  lost,  in  Heaven's  glorious  light. 

H.  H.  Weld. 
Thy  solemn  vows  are  on  me,  Lord ; 

Thou  shalt  receive  my  praise  ; 
I  '11  sing  "How  faithful  is  Thy  word! 
How  righteous  all  thy  ways!" 

Thou  hast  secured  my  soul  from  death, 

O  set  Thy  prisoner  free  ! 
That  heart  and  hand,  and  life  and  breath, 

May  be  employ 'd  for  Thee. 

Then,  like  a  bird  that  soars  and  sings, 

Escaping  from  the  cage, 
My  prisoned  soul  shall  stretch  her  wings, 

And  in  Thy  cause  engage.  Anon, 


PR0M1SK.  467 


PEOMISE. 
Hk  lvmembered  Hi?  holy  promise,  and  Abraham  Hi*  servant. 

And  He  brought  forth  His  people  with    joy,  and    His   chosen  with 
gladness.  —  P<alm  cv.  42,  4S. 
Behold  I  send  the  promise  of  my  Father  upon  you.— Luke,  xxiv.  49. 
The  Son  of  God,  Jesus  Chri<t.  who  was  preached  among  yon. 

All  the  prornua  of  God  in  Him  are  yea.  and  in  Him  Amen,  unto 

the  glory  of  Qod  by  us.— II.  Corinthians,  i.  19,  '-'<>. 

His  very  word  of  grace  is  strong 

As  that  which  built  the  skies  ; 
The  voice  that  rolls  the  stars  along 

Speaks  all  the  promises. 
He  said,  "Let  the  wide  heaven  be  spread ;" 

And  heaven  was  stretched  abroad. 
"  Abra'm,  I  '11  be  thy  God,"  He  said  ; 

And  He  was  Abra'm's  God.  Watts. 

Happy  the  man  whose  hopes  rely 
On  Israel's  God  :  He  built  the  sky, 

And  earth,  and  seas,  with  all  their  train ; 
His  truth  for  ever  stands  secure, 
He  saves  the  oppress'd,  He  feeds  the  poor, 

And  none  shall  find  His  promise  vain.  Watts. 

When  the  good  man  yields  his  breath, 

(For  the  good  man  never  dies,) 
Bright,  beyond  the  gulf  of  death, 

To  the  land  of  promise  hies  !     James  Montgomery. 

Still  let  me  love  the  sacred  page 

Where  truths  from  Heaven  recorded  He ; 
And  while  I  tread  this  mortal  stage, 

May  I  be  taught  to  live  and  die. 
Still  let  me  bind  it  to  my  heart, 

The  richest  jewel  I  can  wear ; 
That  when  all  other  charms  depart, 

Its  lustre  still  may  sparkle  there. 
Father!  Thy  truth  shall  be  my  guide; 

Thy  promises  my  soul  shall  cheer ; 
And  when  by  sin  or  sorrow  tried, 

Oh!  may  Thy  smile  dispel  my  fear.  Hutton. 


468  PROPHECY. 


PEOPHECY— PROPHETS. 

He  spake  by  the  mouth  of  His  holy  prophets,  which  have  been  since 
the  world  began. — Luke,  i.  70. 

Knowing  this  first,  that  no  prophecy  of  the  scripture  is  of  any 
private  interpretation. 

For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of  man  :  but  holy 
men  of  God  spake  as  thev  were  moved  bv  the  Holy  Ghost. — II.  Peter, 
i.  20,  21. 

The  world's  a.  prophecy  of  worlds  to  come.  Young. 

The  words  of  prophecy,  those  truths  divine, 

Which  make  that  Heaven,  if  thou  desire  it,  thine — 

(Awful  alternative  !  believed,  beloved, 

Thy  glory — and  thy  shame  if  unimproved,) 

Are  never  long  vouchsafed,  if  pushed  aside 

With  cold  disgust,  or  philosophic  pride.  Cowper, 

But  chief  the  Prophets  glowed  with  full  delight, 
Strong  as  a  god,  mature  as  soon  as  born 
To  scotch  the  serpent's  coil.     Oh,  happy  lands, 
Where  hope  ne'er  hopes  in  vain,  and  love  is  ne'er 

lovelorn ! 
And  lo,  Isaiah  now  amidst  them  stands, 
Majestically  eminent  o'er  all, 
And  blesses  them  with  his  thanksgiving  hands. 
Though  they  so  great,  he  towers  heroical, 
Though  humblest  of  that  holiest  company, 
Sweet  as  sublime.     So  once  looked  royal  Saul ; 
So  looked,  but  was  not  what  he  seemed  to  be, 
Amidst  the  children  of  his  father's  land, 
The  goodliest,  loftier  then  the  rest  was  he. 
But  fairer  Jesse's  son  whom  Samuel's  hand 
King  'midst  his  brethren  hallowed  and  proclaimed. 
So  Samuel  stood  above  the  prophet  band, 
When  the  insane  tyrant  at  the  youth's  life  aimed, 
But,  smit  at  Naioth  by  the  Spirit  there, 
Quelled  at  his  feet  lay  naked  and  ashamed. 
JSTow,  as  a  pupil  in  his  own  school  here, 
Vaileth  his  reverential  forehead  low 
Unto  the  prophet,  the  time-hallowed  Seer — 
A  larger  college  is  endowed  now  ; 
A  true  prophetic  university ; 


PROPHECY.  469 


The  jewels  are  made  up,  or  nearly  so  ; 
One  only  they  await,  to  whose  broad  eye 
Shall  be  disclosed  the  vision,  that  will  fill 
The  casket  up,  and  seal  it  sacredly. 

So  Jeremiah  on  a  sea  of  grief 
Floated  his  ark  of  pensive  melody. 

With  bolder  mien,  and  shown  in  strong  relief, 
Ezekiel,  with  a  brother's  strict  embrace, 
Greeted  the  grasp  of  that  returned  chief; 
Yet  sighed  bitterly  before  his  face, 
Because  the  furbished  sword  contemned  the  rod, 
And,  for  a  trial,  glowed  with  its  disgrace, 
Sanguine  with  slaughter.     Let  it  rage !     For  God 
Will  smite  his  hands  together,  and  refrain 
From  fury — but  the  vintage  must  be  trod. 
To  men  on  earth  his  was  a  lovely  strain, 
Of  one  who  sweetly  sang,  and  deftly  played. 
But  in  a  foreign  land  discoursed  in  vain. 

Oh,  Daniel  well  beloved !  who  plainly  said 

In  no  strange  tongue  the  things  that  were  to  be, 

Simple  of  manners,  and  of  mind  unswayed. 

Dear  is  the  welcome  of  simplicity! 

How  dear  is  thine,  to  whom  for  this  was  given 

The  Hope  of  Nations  over  all  to  see ! 

Come  forth,  ye  sacred  band,  inspired  of  Heaven, 
Surround  the  Prophet  silently  controlled, 
And  hear  how  well  his  embassy  has  thriven — 
Hosea,  the  zealous  ;  Amos,  herdsman  bold ; 
Jonas,  type  of  our  theme,  and  Obadiah, 
And  Nahum,  who  of  Nineveh  foretold — 
Micah  and  Habakkuk,  and  Zephaniah, 
Joel,  Haggai,  and  Malachi  who  saves 
But  with  a  curse,  and  lofty  Zechariah — 
Noble  your  duty — noble  he  who  braves 
The  stormy  world,  and  guides  the  ark  of  God 
In  safety  o'er  the  inimical  waves ! 

J.  A.  Heraud. 


470  PROSPERITY. 


PROSPERITY. 

FOR  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when  I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the 
wicked. 

Until  I  went  into  the  sanctuary  of  God ;  then  understood  I  their  end. 

Surely  Thou  didst  set  them  in  slippery  places :  Thou  castedst  thein 
down  into  destruction. — Psalm  lxxiii.  3,  17,  18. 

0  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  send  now  prosperity. — Psalm  cxviii.  25. 

Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem :  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

Peace   be   within  thy  walls,  and  prosperity  within  thy   palaces. — 
Psalm  cxxii.  6,  7. 

Daily  and  hourly  proof 
Tells  us  prosperity  's  at  the  highest  degree 
The  fount  and  handle  of  calamity.  Chapman. 

O,  how  portentous  is  prosperity  ! 

How,  comet-like,  it  threatens  while  it  shines ! 

Few  years  but  yield  us  proof  of  Death's  ambition 

To  cull  his  victims  from  the  fairest  fold, 

And  sheathe  his  shafts  in  all  the  pride  of  life. 

When  flooded  with  abundance,  purpled  o'er 

With  recent  honour,  bloomed  with  every  bliss, 

Set  up  in  ostentation,  made  the  gaze, 

The  gaudy  centre  of  the  public  eye ; 

When  fortune  thus  has  tossed  her  child  in  air, 

Snatched  from  the  covert  of  an  humble  state, 

How  often  have  I  seen  him  dropt  at  once, 

Our  morning's  envy,  and  our  evening's  sigh ! 

As  if  her  bounties  were  the  signal  given, 

The  flowery  wreath  to  mark  the  sacrifice, 

And  call  Death's  arrows  on  the  destined  prey. 

Young. 

The  man,  perhaps, 
Thou  pitiest,  draws  his  comfort  from  distress. 
That  mind  so  poised,  and  centred  in  the  good 
Supreme,  so  kindle  with  devotion's  flame, 
Might,  with  prosperity's  enchanting  cup 
Inebriate,  have  forgot  the  All-giving  hand ; 
Might  on  earth's  vain  and  transitory  joys 
Have  built  its  sole  felicity,  nor  e'er 
Winged  a  desire  beyond.  George  Bally. 


471 


PSALM. 


TAXI  a  ptahn,  ami  bring  hither  the  timbrel,  the  pleasant  harp  with 
the  psaltery.   -Psalm  lxxxi.  2. 

Speaking  to  yottrsalTee  En  ptalmi  and  hymns  and  >piritual  songs* 
singing  and  making  melody  in  \  our  heart  to  the  Lord.  -Ephesians,  v.  19* 

I-  any  merry?  let  him  sing  psalms,    James,  v.  18. 

When  Israel's  king  first  woke  his  strains  sublime, 

And  offered  praises  unto  Thee,  O  Lord ! 
With  heart  contrite  for  expiated  crime, 

And  soul  that  yearned  Thy  mercy-seat  toward; 
He  knew  Thy  power,  he  felt  Thy  saving  grace, 

On  earth  with  joy  Thy  wondrous  works  surveyed, 
Then  turned  to  Heaven,  his  final  resting-place, 

And  thence  drew  inspiration  as  he  praj-ed. 

With  shawms  and  psalt'rys  as  in  days  of  yore, 

And  dulcimers  and  harps  we  greet  Thee  not, 
But  richer,  sweeter  strains  around  us  pour, 

And  fill  with  melody  this  sacred  spot ; 
To  Thee,  to  Thee,  great  God  of  Hosts !  this  day 

An  instrument  of  praise  we  consecrate  : 
May  we,  like  David,  own  Thy  sovereign  sway, 

And  unto  Thee  our  service  dedicate. 

As  through  Thy  temple  now  the  deep  strains  peal 

And  choral  minstrelsy  is  heard  to  swell, 
Devotion  wakes  within  us,  and  we  feel 

All  that  the  psalmist  hath  expressed  so  well ; 
Be  it  no  transient  feeling  that  within 

The  bosom  stirs,  and  turns  the  soul  to  Thee ; 
Guard  us,  and  save  us  from  besetting  sin ; 

Make  us  Thine  own  to  all  eternity !  Egone. 

Nor  think  the  muse,  whose  sober  voice  ye  hear, 
Contracts,  with  bigot  frown,  her  sullen  brow  ; 

Casts  round  Religion's  orb  the  mists  of  fear, 

Or  shades  with  horrors  what  with  smiles  should  glow. 

No ;  she  would  warm  you  with  seraphic  fire. 

Heirs  as  ye  are,  of  Heaven's  eternal  day ; 
Would  bid  you  boldly  to  that  Heaven  aspire. 

Nor  sink  and  slumber  in  your  cells  of  clay. 

William   Mason. 


472  PUNISHMENT. 


PUNISHMENT. 

WHEREFORE  doth  a  living  man  complain,  a  man  for  the  punishment 
of  his  sins? 

Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  to  the  Lord.-- 
Lamentations,  iii.  39,  40. 

Then  shall  He  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from 
me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels. 

And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment:  but  the 
righteous  into  fife  eternal.— Matthew,  xxv.  41,  46. 

Governors  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil  doer?,  and 
for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. — I.  Peter,  ii.  14. 

The  house  of  endless  pain  is  built  thereby, 
In  which  ten  thousand  sorts  of  punishment 
The  cursed  creatures  do  eternally  torment.         Spenser. 

If  you  confess  humanity,  believe 

There  is  a  God,  to  punish  or  reward 

Our  doings  here.  Thomas  Southern. 

Ye  princes  all,  and  rulers  every  one, 
In  punishment  beware  of  hatred's  ire. 

Before  you  scourge,  take  heed  ;  look  well  thereon: 
In  wrath's  ill  will,  if  malice  kindle  fire, 
Your  hearts  will  burn  in  such  a  hot  desire, 

That,  in  those  flames,  the  smoke  shall  dim  your  sight, 

Ye  shall  forget  to  join  your  justice  right. 

You  should  not  judge  till  things  be  well  discerned  ; 

Your  charge  is  still  to  maintain  upright  laws  : 
In  conscience'  rules  ye  should  be  throughly  learned — 

Where  clemency  bids  wrath  and  rashness  pause; 

And  further  saith,  strike  not  without  a  cause  : 
And  when  ye  smite,  do  it  for  justice'  sake ; 
Then  in  good  part  each  man  your  scourge  will  take. 

Thomas  Churchyard. 

Had  I  a  hundred  mouths,  a  hundred  tongues, 
I  could  not  half  those  horrid  crimes  repeat, 
Nor  half  the  punishment  those  crimes  have  met. 

Dry&en. 
A  greater  power 
Now  ruled  him,  punished  in  the  shape  he  sinned. 

Milton. 


PURITY.  473 


PURITY. 

BLESSED  are  the  i>ui  •  in  heart  :  tor  tlu\  shall  see  God. — Matthew. 
t.  8. 

For  if  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats,  and  the  ashes  of  an  heifer 
sprinkling  the  unclean,  sanctitk-th  to  the  j>uri/i/ing  of  the  flesh: 

How  much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ,  who  through  the  eternal 
Spirit  offered  himself  without  spot  to  God,  purge  your  conscience  from 
dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God.— Hebrews,  ix.  13,  14. 

Henceforth  in  my  name 
Take  courage,  O  thou  woman, — man  take  hope, 
Your  graves  shall  be  as  smooth  as  Eden's  sward, 
Beneath  the  steps  of  your  prospective  thoughts ; 
And,  one  step  past  them,  a  new  Eden  gate 
Shall  open  on  a  hinge  of  harmony, 
And  let  you  through  to  mercy.     Ye  shall  fall 
No  more  within  that  Eden,  nor  pass  out 
Any  more  from  it.     In  which  hope,  move  on 
First  sinners  and  first  mourners.     Live  and  love, 
Doing  both  nobly  because  lowlily, 
Love  and  work  strongly, — because  patiently  ! 
And  for  the  deed  of  death,  trust  it  to  God, 
That  it  be  well  done,  unrepented  of, 
And  not  to  loss.     And  thence  with  constant  prayers 
Fasten  your  souls  on  high,  that  constantly 
The  smile  of  your  heroic  cheer  may  float 
Above  all  floods  of  earthly  agonies, 
Purification  being  the  joy  of  pain. 

JE.  B.  Browning. 

Blest  are  the  pure,  whose  hearts  are  clean 

From  the  defiling  power  of  sin, 

With  endless  pleasure  they  shall  see 

A  God  of  spotless  purity.  Watts. 

Me  through  the  blood  of  sprinkling  make 

Pure  from  defilement  white  as  snow, 
Heal  me  for  my  Redeemer's  sake, 
Then  joy  and  gladness  I  shall  know. 

J.  Montgomeiy. 
Thou  holy  God !  preserve  our  souls 

From  all  pollution  free  ; 
The  pure  in  heart  are  thy  delight, 

And  they  thy  face  shall  see.  Needham. 


474  QUIET. 

QUIET. 

WHEN  he  giveth  quietness,  who  can  then  make  trouble? — Job.  xxxiv. 
29. 

But  whoso  hearkeneth  unto  me  shall  dwell  safely,  and  shall  be 
quiet  from  fear  of  evil. — Proverbs,  i.  33. 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  the  Holy.  One  of  Israel ;  In  returning 
and  rest  shall  ye  be  saved ;  in  quietness  and  in  confidence  shall  be 
your  strength  :  and  ye  would  not. — Isaiah,  xxx.  15. 


Quiet,  Lord,  my  fro  ward  heart, 

Make  me  teachable  and  mild, 
Upright,  simple,  free  from  art, 

Make  me  as  a  weaned  child, 
From  distrust  and  envy  free, 
Pleased  with  all  that  pleases  Thee.  Newton. 

If  there  be  a  heaven  so  fair 

O'er  us  ever  shining, 
We  shall  never  enter  there 

By  looking  up  and  pining. 
In  one  holy,  quiet  thought, 
Heaven  to  us  is  nearer  brought, 
Than  in  all  the  radiance  bright, 
Of  a  thousand  worlds  of  light.  J".  Gostick. 


Come  to  thy  lonely  bower,  thou  who  dost  love 
The  hour  of  musing.     Come,  before  the  brow 
Of  twilight  darkens,  or  the  solemn  stars 
Look  from  their  casement,  'mid  that  hush  of  soul, 
Music  from  viewless  harps  shall  visit  thee, 
Such  as  thou  never  heard'st  amid  the  din 
Of  earth's  coarse  enginery,  by  toil  and  care 
Urged  on  without  reprieve  :  Ah !  kneel  and  catch 
That  tuneful  cadence. 

How  closely  wrapt 
In  quiet  slumber  are  all  things  around. 
The  vine-leaf  and  the  willow-fringe  stir  not, 
Nor  doth  the  chirping  of  the  feeblest  bird, 
Nor  even  the  cold  glance  of  the  vestal  moon, 
Disturb  thy  reverie.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 


HANSOM.  475 


RANSOM. 

TllKY  that  trust  in  their  wealth.  and  boast  themselves  in  the  mul- 
titude of  their  riches; 

None  of  them  can  i>\  an\  means  redeem  hia  brother,  nor  give  to 
God  a  ransom  for  him.  -Psabn  xlix.  (>,  7. 

And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return  and  come  to  Zion  with 
songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads  :  they  shall  obtain  joy  and 
gladness,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away. — Isaiah,  xxxv.  10. 

For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus; 

Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in  due  time. — 
I.  Timothy,  ii.  5,  6. 

Eee  the  third  dawning  light 
Return,  the  stars  of  morn  shall  see  Him  rise, 
The  ransom  paid  which  man  from  death  redeems 
His  death  for  man.  Milton. 

Lord  of  every  land  and  nation, 

Ancient  of  eternal  days, 
Sounded  through  the  wide  creation 

Be  Thy  just  and  lawful  praise. 
Brightness  of  Thy  Father's  glory, 

Shall  Thy  praise  unuttered  be  ? 
Fly  my  tongue,  such  guilty  silence, 

Sing  the  Lord  who  came  to  die  ! 
From  the  highest  throne  of  glory, 

To  the  cross  of  deepest  woe  ; 
All  to  ransom  guilty  sinners  : 

Flow,  thy  praise,  for  ever,  flow  !        Robinson. 

The  ransomed  shout  to  their  glorious  King, 
Where  no  sorrow  shades  the  soul  as  they  sing  ; 
But  a  sinless  and  joyless  song  they  raise, 
And  their  voice  of  prayer  is  eternal  praise. 

Henry   Ware,  Jr. 
Blessed  are  the  sons  of  God ; 
They  are  bought  with  Jesu's  blood, 
They  are  ransom  d  from  the  grave, 
Life  eternal  they  shall  have  : 

With  them  number 'd  may  we  be, 

Now  and  through  eternity!  Humphreys. 


476  REASON. 


REASON— REASONS. 

COME  now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  the  Lord :  though  your 
sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red 
like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool.— Isaiah,  i.  18. 

Produce  your  cause,  saith  the  Lord  ;  bring  forth  your  strong  reasons 
saith  the  King  of  Jacob.— Isaiah,  xli.  21. 

And  at  the  end  of  the  days  I  Nebuchadnezzar  lifted  up  mine  eyes 
unto  heaven,  and  mine  understanding  returned  unto  me,  and  I  blessed 
the  Most  High; 

At  the  same  time  my  reason  returned.— Daniel,  iv.  34,  36. 

Dim  as  the  borrowed  beams  of  moon  and  stars 
To  lonely,  weary,  wandering  travellers, 
Is  Reason  to  the  soul ;  and  as  on  high 
Those  rolling  fires  discover  but  the  sky, 
Not  light  us  here  ;  so  Reason's  glimmering  ray 
Was  lent,  not  to  assure  our  doubtful  way, 
But  guide  us  upward  to  a  better  day. 
And  as  those  nightly  tapers  disappear, 
"When  day's  bright  lord  ascends  our  hemisphere  ; 
So  pale  grows  Reason,  at  Religion's  sight ; 
So  dies,  and  so  dissolves,  in  supernatural  light. 

Dryden. 

Yet,  since  the  effects  of  Providence,  we  find, 
Are  variously  dispensed  to  human  kind ; 
That  Vice  triumphs  and  Virtue  suffers  here, 
A  brand  that  sovereign  justice  cannot  bear ; 
Our  reason  prompts  us  to  a  future  state, 
The  last  appeal  from  fortune  and  from  fate : 
Where  God's  all-righteous  ways  will  be  declared ; 
The  bad  meet  punishment,  the  good  reward. 

Dryden. 

Though  Reason  cannot  through  Faith's  mysteries  see, 

It  sees  that  there,  and  such  they  be ; 

Though  it,  like  Moses,  by  a  sad  command 

Must  not  come  into  th'  Holy  Land, 

Yet  thither  it  infallibly  does  guide, 

And  from  afar  't  is  all  descried.  Cowley. 

Through  Reason's  wounds  alone,  thy  faith  can  die. 

Young. 


SEASON.  477 


Season  the  root ;  fair  faith  is  but  the  flower ; 
The  fading  flower  shall  die,  but  reason  lives 
Immortal,  as  her  Father  in  the  skies.  Young. 

'T  is  Reason  our  great  Master  holds  so  dear ; 

'T  is  Reasons  injured  rights  His  wrath  resents; 

'T  is  Reason  s  voice  obeyed,  His  glories  crown ; 

To  give  lost  Reason  life,  He  poured  His  own.      Young. 

With  scanty  line  shall  Reason  dare  to  mete 

Th'  immeasurable  depths  of  Providence  ? 

On  the  swol'n  bladders  of  opinion  borne, 

She  floats  awhile,  then,  floundering,  sinks  absorbed 

Within  that  boundless  sea  she  strove  to  grasp. 

Shall  man,  here  stationed  to  revere  that  God 

Who  called  him  into  being  from  the  dust, 

His  moral  scheme  implead,  and,  impious,  cite 

Th'  Almighty  Legislator  to  the  bar 

Of  erring  intellect?  George  Bally. 

Far  other  flame  the  vain  enthusiast  feels 
When,  reason  by  delusive  fancy  led 
In  sad  captivity,  the  thoughts  confused 
Rush  on  his  mind  in  dark  and  doubtful  sense, 
His  mind  a  chaos  of  blind  zeal,  that  spurns 
Th'  unerring  clue  which  mild  discretion  lends. 
Perchance  the  clashing  images  strike  out 
Some  ray  of  casual  light ;  how  soon 
The  weak  and  momentary  glance  is  lost 
Beneath  a  load  of  wild  obscurity ! 
Much  does  he  labour  with  some  weighty  thought 
Of  faith,  of  grace,  of  Heaven,  perchance  of  hell, 
But  all  in  vain  be  draws  the  thread  confused 
To  tedious  length ;  the  end  eludes  his  search, 
And  leaves  him  wrapt  in  wild  perplexity, 
Recoiling  still  on  the  same  beaten  track. 

Charles  Jenner. 
The  godhead  which  is  ours 
Can  never  utterly  be  charmed  or  stilled ; 
That  nothing  hath  a  natural  right  to  last 
But  equity  and  reason.  Wordsworth 


478  EEDEEMEE. 


REDEEMER. 

I  KNOW  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  He  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth. — Job,  xix.  2o. 

Thy  Redeemer  the  Holy  One  of  Israel ;  the  G-od  of  the  whole  earth 
shall  He  be  called.— Isaiah,  liv.  5. 

The  Redeemer  shall  come  to  Zion,  and  unto   them  that   turn  from 
transgression  in  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord. — Isaiah,  lix.  20. 

O,  blest  Redeemer,  from  Thy  sacred  throne, 
Where  saints  and  angels  sing  Thy  triumphs  won, 
From  that  exalted  height  of  bliss  supreme 
Look  down  on  those  who  bear  Thy  Sacred  Name ; 
Restore  their  ways,  inspire  them  by  Thy  grace, 
Thy  laws  to  follow,  and  Thy  steps  to  trace ; 
Thy  bright  example  to  Thy  doctrine  join, 
And  by  their  morals  prove  their  faith  divine ! 

Boyse. 
Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  everlasting  gates, 
The  King  of  Glory  comes !     He  comes  to  clothe 
This  mortal  in  the  unperishable  garb 
Of  immortality  !     Hear  it,  ye  dead, 
Hear  the  glad  tidings !  and  with  trembling  hope 
Expect  that  day,  when  at  th'  Archangel's  trump, 
From  the  long  sleep  of  many  thousand  years 
Ye  shall  awake — awake  to  sleep  no  more  : 
Hear  it,  O  living  man,  ere  greedy  Death 
Consigns  thee  to  the  prison  of  the  tomb ; 
Hear  and  be  wise,  seek  thy  Redeemer  s  throne ; 
On  bending  knees  implore  His  healing  grace, 
Chaunt  forth  His  praise  and  venerate  His  name. 

William  Bolland. 
Then  shall  the  day-spring  rise,  before  whose  beams 
The  darkness  of  the  world  is  past :  for  hark  ! 
Seraphs  and  angel-choirs  with  S}7mphonies 
Acclaiming  of  ten  thousand  golden  harps, 
Amid  the  bursting  clouds  of  heaven  reveal'd. 
At  once  in  glory  jubilant, — they  sing : 
"God  the  Redeemer  liveth !     He  who  took 
Man's  nature  on  Him,  and  in  human  shroud 
Veil'd  His  immortal  glory !     He  is  risen — 
God  the  Redeemer  liveth !  and  behold 
The  gates  of  life  and  immortality 
Opened  to  all  that  breathe."  Bowles. 


REDEEMER.  479 

Out  of  my  penitence  there  has  grown  hope ; 

I  trust  and  raise  my  suppliant  eyes  to  Heaven, 

And  when  my  soul  desponds,  I  meekly  say, 

"I  know  that  my  Redeemer  livetL"  Miss  Landon. 

He  dies  ;  in  whose  high  victory, 

The  slayer,  death  himself,  shall  die, 

He  dies  ;  by  whose  all-conquering  tread 

Shall  yet  be  crushed  the  serpent's  head  ; 

From  his  proud  throne  to  darkness  hurled, 

The  god  and  tempter  of  this  world. 

He  dies  ;  creation's  awful  Lord, 

Jehovah,  Christ,  Eternal  Word  ! 

To  come  in  thunder  from  the  skies ; 

To  bid  the  buried  world  arise ; 

The  earth  His  footstool,  heaven  His  throne  ; — 

Redeemer  !  may  Thy  will  be  done  !  Croly. 

My  blest  Redeemer  lives. — In  that  last  day 

When,  like  the  baseless  fabric  of  a  dream, 
Earth's  unsubstantial  glories  pass  away, 

He  then  shall  stand,  acknowledged  Lord  supreme. 
My  blest  Redeemer  lives. — Though  death  the  head 

Consign,  a  victim  to  the  silent  tomb  ; 
Though  worms  around  my  lifeless  body  spread, 

Though  noisome  worms  these  mouldering  limbs 
consume, 
Triumphant  still  o'er  Satan's  power  I  rise, 
My  God,  my  God  appears,  and  wakes  these  languid 
eyes.  Samuel  Hayes. 

Rejected,  scorned, 
Despised,  a  man  of  sorrow  and  distress, 
To  all  the  ills  which  poverty's  chill  cold, 
Or  power  of  tyrant  malice  could  inflict, 
Exposed  a  victim,  through  life's  wretched  vale 
Our  blest  Redeemer  passed.  Samuel  Hayes. 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies 

Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise ; 

Let  the  Redeemer  s  name  be  sung 

Through  every  land  by  every  tongue.  Watts. 


480  BEDEMPTTON. 


REDEMPTION. 

WITH  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with  Him  is  plenteous  redemp- 
tion.— Psalm  cxxx.  7. 

But  of  Him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who,  of  G-od,  is  made  unto  us 
wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemption.— I. 
Corinthians,  i.  'SO. 

Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by  His  own  blood, 
He  entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal  re- 
demption for  us. — Hebrews,  ix.  12. 

Redemption  !  't  was  creation  more  sublime ; 

Redemption  !  't  was  the  labour  of  the  skies  ; 

Far  more  than  labour,  it  was  death  in  Heaven : 

A  truth  so  strange !  't  were  bold  to  think  it  true, 

If  not  far  bolder  still,  to  disbelieve.  Young. 

Harp  !  lift  thy  voice  on  high !  shout,  angels,  shout ! 

And  loudest  ye  redeemed !     Glory  to  God, 

And  to  the  Lamb,  who  bought  us  with  His  blood, 

From  every  kindred,  nation,  people,  tongue ; 

And  washed,  and  sanctified,  and  saved  our  souls  ; 

And  gave  us  robes  of  linen  pure,  and  crowns 

Of  life,  and  made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God! 

Shout  back  to  ancient  time  !  sing  loud,  and  wave 

Your  palms  of  triumph !  sing,  where  is  thy  sting, 

O  death?  where  is  thy  victory,  O  grave? 

Thanks  be  to  God,  eternal  thanks,  who  gave 

Us  victory  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord ! 

Harp  !  lift  thy  voice  on  high  !  shout,  angels,  shout ! 

And  loudest  ye  redeemed !     Glory  to  God, 

And  to  the  Lamb,  all  glory  and  all  praise ! 

All  glory  and  all  praise,  at  morn  and  even, 

That  come  and  go  eternally,  and  find 

Us  happy  still,  and  Thee  for  ever  blest! 

Glory  to  God  and  to  the  Lamb !     Amen. 

For  ever  and  for  evermore  !     Amen.        Robert  PolloJc. 

Redemption  was  no  after-thought,  by  Sin 
Awakened  from  thy  depths,  celestial  Love ! 
When  first  Humanity  the  fiend  obeyed, 
For  in  the  councils  of  Almighty  Grace 
Thy  priesthood,  Oh  Incarnate  !  was  designed 
Before  Creation  out  of  nothing  sprang. 


REDEMPTION.  481 


But  when  at  length  the  hour  predestined  came, 
Eternity  a  form  of  Time  assum'd  ; 
Then  from  His  throne  of  perfect  glory  stoop'd 
The  second  in  the  Godhead,  and  Himself 
In  mortal  limbs  and  lineaments  array'd ; 
Then  did  Emmanuel  on  this  blighted  earth 
Of  sin  and  suffering,  body  forth  such  grace 
As  made  our  orb  a  miracle  of  worlds, 
By  there  achieving  what  the  God  Triune 
Determined  when  their  master-work  was  plann'd, 
The  vast  atonement  blood  divine  unveils. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Nor  hymn,  nor  harp,  nor  song  divine, 

Nor  myriad  orbs  created  Thine, 

Thy  measureless  display  of  love 

To  earth  below,  and  heaven  above, 

By  their  unmingled  power  could  tell, — 

That  ends  the  curse,  and  conquers  hell! 

Lo  !  the  manger  where  He  lies, 

A  world-redeem  i  »g  sacrifice  : 

"Peace  on  earth!  to  man  good- will!" 

Let  the  skies  our  anthem  fill !         R.  Montgomery. 

Hark  !  't  is  the  prophet  of  the  skies 

Proclaims  redemption  near ; 
The  night  of  death  and  bondage  flies, 

The  dawning  tints  appear. 

Zion,  from  deepest  shades  of  gloom, 

Awakes  to  glorious  day  ; 
Her  desert  wastes  with  verdure  bloom, 

Her  shadows  flee  away. 

To  heal  her  wounds,  her  night  dispel, 

The  heralds  cross  the  main  ; 
On  calvary's  awful  brow  they  tell, 

That  Jesus  lives  again. 

From  Salem's  towers,  the  Islam  sign, 

With  holy  zeal  is  hurled  : 
'Tis  there  Immanuel's  symbols  shine, 

His  banner  is  unfurled. 
*  2  i 


482  EEDEMPTION. 


The  gladdening  news,  conveyed  afar, 

Remotest  nations  hear ; 
To  welcome  Judah's  rising  star, 

The  ransomed  tribes  appear. 

Again  in  Bethlehem  swells  the  song, 

The  choral  breaks  again ; 
While  Jordan's  shores  the  strains  prolong, 

"Good-will  and  peace  to  men !" 

W.  P.  Tappan. 

Redemption  !    O,  thou  beauteous  mystic  plan  ! 

Thou  salutary  source  of  light  to  man ! 

What  tongue  can  speak  thy  comprehensive  grace? 

What  thought  thy  depths  unfathomable  trace  ? 

When  lost  in  sin  our  ruined  nature  lay, 

When  awful  justice  claimed  her  righteous  pay, 

See  the  mild  Saviour  bend  His  pitying  eye, 

And  stop  the  lightning  just  prepared  to  fly !  Boyse. 

Be  every  knee 
To  Christ  in  homage  bent !     Be  every  heart 
In  adoration,  and  in  fervent  prayer, 
To  Him  poured  forth  !     From  His  all-gracious  birth, 
The  day-spring  from  on  high  descends  :  grim  death, 
Stripped  of  his  boasted  empire,  prostrate  falls  : 
The  cerements  of  the  dank,  victorious  grave 
Are  burst  asunder  :  th'  adamantine  gates 
Of  Paradise  unbarred  :  man's  forfeit  race 
From  the  deep  gulf  of  Erebus  redeemed, 
To  life,  to  immortality  arise.  Samuel  Hayes. 

The  grand  Redemption  of  degenerate  man 

Is  not  a  single,  independent  act, 

But  one  great  system  ;  that,  perchance,  involved 

In  the  one  only  greater,  God's  high  law 

Pervading  and  supporting  every  part 

Of  the  stupendous  universe  :  to  thee, 

Dark  are  the  system's  limits  ;  nay,  the  whole 

To  thee  unknown,  save  some  minuter  spots, 

Displayed  to  show  the  parts  thou  hast  to  act 

In  the  alarming  scene.  John  Hey. 


BEFUGE.  483 


REFUGE. 

TlIK  eternal  Cod  is  thy  refuge. — Deuteronomy,  xxxiii.  '21. 

The  Lord  also  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  oppressed,  a  rtfuQi   in  times 
of  trouble.— Psalm  ix.  9. 

I  will  say  of   the  Lord,  He  is   my  >  <  fug\   and  my  fort  res*. — Psalm 
xci.  2. 

At  length  life's  stormy  voyage  well  nigh  done, 

These  waves  shall  toss  my  fragile  bark  no  more, 
But  ah!  there  waits  the  judge,  the  unerring  one, 

Who  shall  each  word,  and  work,  and  thought  explore. 

And  is  it  so  ?  the  fantasy  is  o'er 
That  made  enshrined  art  my  idol  still ; 

And  many  a  flying  shade  I  chased  before, 
As  my  chief  good  was  but  a  specious  ill ! 
What,  if  when  death  has  wrack'd  h  a  power  to  kill, 

The  living  death  beyond  the  gr  ive  be  mine. 
The  pencil  and  the  chisel  have  no  skill 

To  chain  such  thoughts  to  rest.     O  Love  Divine 
Who  didst  spread  wide  thy  arms  on  Calvary, 
Be  thou  my  refuge,  Lord !  for  I  have  none  save  thine ! 

Michael  Angela. 

When  rising  winds  and  rain  descending, 

A  near  approaching  storm  declare  ; 
With  trembling  speed  their  wings  extending, 

The  birds  to  sheltering  trees  repair. 

So  I,  by  faith,  with  sin  oppressed, 

Would  refuge  taste,  O  Christ,  in  thee ; 

Thou  art  my  hiding-place  and  rest, 

From  every  evil  shelter  me.         From  the  German. 

Except  the  Lord  the  city  keep 

All  vainly  may  the  watchman  wake, 
The  careless  souls  within  who  sleep 

In  fear  and  terror  well  may  quake. 


Except  the  soul  for  safety  flee 
For  refuge  to  the  city  built 

By  God  for  trembling  sinners,  he 
Will  be  o'ertaken  in  his  guilt. 


Egone. 


484  KELIGION. 


EELIGION. 

IP  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth  not  his 
tongue,  but  deceiveth  bis  own  heart,  this  man's  religion  is  vain. 

Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Father  is  this,  To 
visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  him- 
self unspotted  from  the  world. — James,  i.  26,  27. 

Seeming  devotion  doth  but  gild  the  knave, 

That's  neither  faithful,  honest,  just,  nor  brave  ; 

But  where  Religion  doth  with  Virtue  join, 

It  makes  a  hero  like  an  angel  shine.  Waller. 

Religion  s  all.  Descending  from  the  skies 
To  wretched  man,  the  goddess,  in  her  left, 
Holds  out  this  world,  and  in  her  right,  the  next. 

Young. 
Religion  I  Providence !  an  after  state ! 
Here  is  firm  footing  ;  here  is  solid  rock! 
This  can  support  us  ;  all  is  sea  besides  ; 
Sinks  under  us,  bestows,  and  then  devours. 
His  hand  the  good  man  fastens  on  the  skies, 
And  bids  earth  roll,  nor  feels  her  idle  whirl.         Young. 

Religion  does  not  censure,  or  exclude 

Unnumbered  pleasures,  harmlessly  pursued.       Cowper. 

Pity  Religion  has  so  seldom  found 

A  skilful  guide  into  poetic  ground ! 

The  flowers  would  spring  where'er  she  deigned  to  stray, 

And  every  muse  attend  her  in  the  way. 

Virtue,  indeed,  meets  many  a  rhyming  friend, 

And  many  a  compliment  politely  penned ; 

But  unattired  in  that  becoming  vest 

Religion  weaves  for  her,  and  half  undressed, 

Stands  in  the  desert,  shivering  and  forlorn 

A  wintry  figure,  like  a  withered  thorn. 

The  shelves  are  full,  all  other  themes  are  sped; 

Hackneyed  and  worn  to  the  last  flimsy  thread, 

Satire  has  long  since  done  his  best,  and  curs'd; 

And  loathsome  ribaldry  has  done  his  worst; 

Fancy  has  sported  all  her  powers  away 

In  tales  and  trifles,  and  in  children's  play ; 


RELIGION.  485 


And  'tis  the  sad  complaint,  and  almost  true, 
Whate'er  we  write,  we  bring  forth  nothing  new. 
'T  were  new,  indeed,  to  see  a  bard  all  fire, 
Touched  with  a  coal  from  Heaven,  assume  the  lyre 
And  tell  the  world,  still  kindling  as  he  sung, 
With  more  than  mortal  music  on  his  tongue, 
That  he  who  died  below,  and  reigns  above, 
Inspires  the  song,  and  that  His  name  is  Love. 

Coivper. 
Religion  1  what  treasures  untold 
Reside  in  that  heavenly  word, 
More  precious  than  silver  and  gold, 

Or  all  that  this  earth  can  afford.  Cowper. 

And  when  religious  sects  ran  mad, 
He  held,  in  spite  of  all  his  learning, 

That  if  a  man's  belief  is  bad, 

It  will  not  be  improved  by  burning.  Praed. 

This  Religion,  which  dilates  our  thoughts 
Of  God  Supreme  to  an  infinity 
Of  awful  greatness,  yet  connects  us  with  Him 
As  children,  loved  and  cherished ; — 
Adoring  awe  with  tenderness  united. 

Joanna  JBaillie. 
Religion  pure, 
Unchanged  in  spirit,  though  its  forms  and  codes 

"Wear  myriad  modes, 
Contains  all  creeds  within  its  mighty  span — 
The  love  of  God,  displayed  in  love  of  man. 

Horace  Smith. 
And  when  Religion  moves  upon  the  face 
Of  the  remote  and  multitudinous  seas, 
Be  hers  again  the  peaceful  mien  that  charmed 
Judea's  midnight  winds  in  secret  prayer, 
And  walked,  a  spirit  of  prevailing  love, 
Upon  the  star-lit  waves  of  Galilee.  A.  Alexander. 

That  man  alone  is  truly  brave,  whose  soul 
By  virtue  tutored,  by  religion  swayed, 
At  their  tribunal  every  impulse  scans. 

Samuel  Hayes. 


486  RELIGION. 


Religion  is  the  chief  concern 

Of  mortals  here  below  ; 
May  I  its  great  importance  learn, 

Its  sovereign  virtue  know  ! 

More  needful  this  than  flittering  wealth, 

Or  aught  the  world  bestows  ; 
Not  reputation,  food,  nor  health, 

Can  give  us  such  repose. 

Religion  should  our  thoughts  engage 

Amidst  our  youthful  bloom; 
'T  will  fit  us  for  declining  age, 

And  for  the  awful  tomb.  Fawcett. 

0  deem  not  that  Religions  hallowed  name 
Is  justly  given  to  deeds  of  guilt  and  shame. 
Deem  not  she  loves  the  faggot  and  the  steel, 

The  blood-stained  hand,  the  heart  untaught  to  feel. 

Trace  not  her  footsteps  in  the  princely  hall, 

Where  Borgia's  father  held  high  festival. 

She  flees  from  haunts  of  guilt,  nor  heeds  her  voice 

To  bid  the  unrepentant  heart  rejoice  ; 

To  the  seared  spirit  opes  no  ready  heaven ; 

Forgives  not  him  whom  God  hath  not  forgiven  ; 

Nor  loves  she  pomp's  vain  homage ;  not  the  tide 

Of  low  oblations  at  the  shrine  of  pride. 

Wm.  Spicer  Wood. 

1  see  the  ocean  tossing  in  its  strength, 

And  with  a  moan  that  speaks  of  coming  storms 

Housing  the  dark  waves  from  their  lair,  to  greet 

The  howling  wind,  that  in  its  force  comes  down 

As  with  a  war-cry  of  defiance,  to 

The  might  of  the  proud  waters  ;  in  the  midst 

A  giant  rock  uprears  its  crest,  upon 

Whose  summit  stands  a  form,  beneath  whose  crowned 

And  awful  brow  the  tempest  seems  to  quail: 

The  pale  magnificent  beauty  of  her  face 

Is  shaded  by  dark  raven  locks,  that  seem 

Like  night  descending  on  the  setting  sun — 

The  calm  rebuking  chastity  of  eye 

That  lays  the  soui  so  bare  before  its  glance 


RELIGION.  487 


Is  hers,  and  her  august  and  stately  form 

Towers  o'er  the  storm  and  tempest  like  a  god 

Serene  in  power.     'T  is  Religion — yes, 

Woman  thy  homage  is  well  paid  to  her, 

Who  shall  be  as  a  mother  to  thy  race ; 

When  in  his  dungeon  the  lone  prisoner  weeps 

Deserted  by  his  kindred ;  hunted  down 

Like  a  wild  beast  of  prey  by  man,  and  left 

Year  after  year  to  count  the  lingering  time 

By  the  slow  pulse  of  his  own  failing  heart ; 

When  in  the  bitterness  of  his  despair 

He  weeps,  and  deems  himself  forsaken  by 

All  living  things  ;  her  soothing  voice  shall  thrill 

In  comfort  to  his  heart ;  her  form  shall  bend 

Like  a  pitying  mother's  o'er  him,  and 

Uphold  his  drooping  head;  her  hallow'd  brow 

Shall  shed  its  light  upon  his  soul,  and  cast 

Around  him  peace  ineffable.  L.  C.  Reddell. 

With  ineffectual  toil,  the  Pow'r  Supreme 
I  sought  along  the  mead  which  flow'rets  bore ; 
Thro'  a  dense  woodland  ; — by  a  mazy  stream  ; — 
On  heights; — in  valleys  ; — by  the  wavy  shore; 

Nor  God  I  found  within  the  solar  beam ; 
Nor  in  night's  radiance.     What  I  could  explore, 
I  saw,  with  proofs  of  His  existence  teem ; 
His  certain  stamp  it  had,  but  nothing  more ! 

But  thou,  Religion  !  can'st  unveil  His  face ! 
Shall,  then,  man's  bosom  feel  no  love  for  thee, 
And  seek  thee  not  within  thy  hallow'd  place? 
How  clearly  there  the  eye  of  Faith  can  see 
The  ever-living  God  of  Truth — Love — Grace  ! 
There  man  can  learn  to  meet  Eternity  ! 

Rev.  W.  Pulling. 
'Tis  Religion  that  can  give, 
Sweetest  pleasures  while  we  live  ; 
'T  is  Religion  must  supply 
Solid  comfort  when  we  die. 

After  death  its  joys  will  be 

Listing  as  eternity  ! 

Be  the  living  God  my  friend, 

Then  my  bliss  shall  never  end.  Master. 


488  REMEMBRANCE. 


REMEMBRANCE. 

REMEMBER,  0  Lord,  thy  tender  mercies  and  thy  loving-kindnesses ; 
for  they  have  been  ever  of  old. 

Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my  transgressions  : 
according  to  thy  mercy  remember  thou  me  for  thy  goodness'  sake,  O 
Lord. — Psalm  xxv.  6,  7. 

They  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  another,  and  the  Lord 
hearkened,  and  heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remembrance  was  written  before 
him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord,  and  that  thought  upon  his  name. 
— Malachi,  hi.  16. 

Gethsemane,  can  I  forget  ?  or  there  Thy  conflict  see, 

Thine  agony  and  bloody  sweat,  and  not  remember  Thee  ? 

When  to  the  cross  I  turn  mine  eyes,  and  rest  on  Calvary, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  my  sacrifice !  I  must  remember  Thee  ! 

Remember  Thee  and  all  Thy  pains,  and  all  Thy  love  to 
me ; 

Yea,  while  a  breath  or  pulse  remains,  I  will  remember 
Thee! 

And  when  these  failing  lips  grow  dumb,  and  mind  and 
memory  flee, 

When  Thou  shalt  in  Thy  kingdom  come,  Jesus  re- 
member me.  J.  Montgomery. 

Say,  who  can  mourn 
Over  the  smitten  idol,  by  long  years 
Cemented  with  his  being,  yet  perceive 
No  dark  remembrance  that  he  fain  would  blot, 
Troubling  the  tear?     If  there  were  no  kind  deed 
Omitted,  no  sweet,  healing  word  of  love 
Expected,  yet  unspoken  ;  no  light  tone 
That  struck  discordant  on  the  shivering  nerve, 
For  which  the  weeper  fain  would  rend  the  tomb 
To  cry,  "Forgive."     O,  let  him  kneel  and  praise 
God  amid  all  his  grief.  Mr*.  Sigourney. 

Remember  me — not,  I  entreat, 

In  scenes  of  festal  week-day  joy  ; 
For  then  it  were  not  kind  or  meet 

Thy  thoughts  thy  pleasures  should  alloy ; 
But  on  the  sacred  Sabbath  day, 

And,  dearest,  on  thy  bended  knee, 
When  thou  for  those  thou  lov'st  dost  pray, 

Sweet  sister,  then  remember  me. 

Edward  Everett. 


BEMEMBBANCE.  489 


Remember  thee  !   remember  Christ ! 

While  mem'ry  holds  her  place, 
Can  we  forget  the  Lord  of  Life, 

Who  saves  us  by  his  grace  ? 

The  Lord  of  Life,  with  y;lory  crown'd, 

On  heaven's  exalted  throne, 
Forgets  not  those  for  whom  on  earth 

He  heav'd  his  dying  groan. 

The  promis'd  joy  he  then  obtain'd 

When  he  ascended  hence, 
Up  from  the  grave  to  God's  right  hand 

A  Saviour  and  a  prince ! 

His  glory  now  no  tongue  of  man 

Or  seraph  bright  can  tell: 
Yet  still  the  chief  of  all  his  joys, 

That  souls  are  saved  from  hell. 

For  this  he  came  and  dwelt  on  earth  ; 

For  this  his  life  was  given ; 
For  this  he  fought  and  vanquished  death, 

For  this  he  pleads  in  heav'n ! 

Join,  all  ye  saints  beneath  the  sky, 

Your  grateful  praise  to  give  : 
Sins:  loud  hosannas  to  the  Lord, 

Who  died  that  you  might  live. 

Br.  Wardlaio. 

Remember  thy  Creator, 

Now  in  thy  youthful  days, 
And  let  thy  heart,  an  opening  flower, 

Breathe  incense  forth  of  praise. 

Remember  thy  Creator ; 

O'er  thee  His  love  abides, 
His  wisdom  plans,  His  power  sustains, 

His  bounteous  hand  provides. 

Remember  thy  Creator, 

In  all  life's  mirth  and  glee, 
And  he  shall  in  thy  fading  age 

Still,  still,  remember  thee.  TV.  Martin. 


490  REPENTANCE. 


REPENTANCE. 

Repent  ye :  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 

Bring  forth  therefore  fruits  meet  for  repentance. — Matthew,  hi.  2,  8. 

Repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel. — Mark,  i.  15. 

Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted,  that  your  sins  may  be  blotted 
out. — Acts,  hi.  19. 

And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God  winked  at :  but  now  commandeth 
all  men  everywhere  to  repent. — Acts,  xvii.  30. 

For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  salvation  not  to  be  repented 
of  :  but  the  sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death. — II.  Corinthians,  vii.  10. 

Confess  yourself  to  Heaven  ; 
Repent  what's  past ;  avoid  what  is  to  come; 
And  do  not  spread  the  compost  on  the  weeds 
To  make  them  ranker.  Shahspere. 

Try  what  repentance  can  :  what  can  it  not? 

Yet  what  can  it,  when  one  cannot  repent  ? 

O,  wretched  state  !    O,  bosom  black  as  death ! 

O,  limed  soul,  that  struggling  to  be  free, 

Art  more  engaged  !  Shakspere. 

Chide  sinners  as  the  father  doth  his  child, 
And  keep  them  in  the  awe  of  loving  fear ; 

Make  sin  most  hateful,  but  in  words  be  mild, 
That  humble  patience  may  the  better  hear; 

And  wounded  conscience  may  receive  relief, 

When  true  repentance  pleads  the  sinner's  grief. 

Yet  flatter  not  the  foul  delight  of  sin, 
But  make  it  loathsome  in  the  eye  of  love, 

And  seek  the  heart  with  holy  thoughts  to  win 
Unto  the  best  way  to  the  soul's  behove  : 

So  teach,  so  live,  that  both  in  word  and  deed 

The  world  may  joy  thy  heavenly  rules  to  read. 

Heal  the  infect  of  sin  with  oil  of  grace, 

And  wash  the  soul  with  true  contrition's  tears  ; 

And  when  confession  shows  her  heavy  case, 
Deliver  faith  from  all  infernal  fears, 

That  when  high  justice  threatens  sin  with  death, 

Mercy  again  may  give  Repentance  breath. 

Nicolas  Breton. 


REPENTANCE.  491 


At  the  round  world's  imagined  corners  blow 

Your  trumpets,  angels  ;  and  arise,  arise, 

From  death  you  numberless  infinities 

Of  souls,  and  to  your  scattered  bodies  go, 

All  whom  the  flood  did,  and  fire  shall  o'erthrow, 

All  whom  war,  death,  age,  agues,  tyrannies, 

Despair,  law,  chance  hath  slain ;  and  you  whose  eyes 

Shall  behold  God  and  never  taste  death's  woe. 

But  let  them  sleep,  Lord,  and  men  mourn  a  space ; 

For  if  above  all  these  my  sins  abound, 

'T  is  late  to  ask  abundance  of  Thy  grace, 

When  we  are  there ;  here,  on  this  lowly  ground 

Teach  me  how  to  repent ;  for  that's  as  good 

As  if  Thou  hadst  sealed  my  pardon  with  Thy  blood. 

John  Donne. 

Heaven  may  forgive  a  crime  to  penitence, 

For  Heaven  can  judge  if  penitence  is  true.         Dryden. 

TS'hile  music  flows  around, 
Perfumes,  and  oils,  and  wine,  and  wanton  hours ; 
Amid  the  roses,  fierce  repentance  rears 
Her  snaky  crest :  a  quick  returning  pang 
Shoots  through  the  conscious  heart.  Thomson. 

I  will  to-morrow,  that  I  will, 

I  will  be  sure  to  do  it ; 
To-morrow  comes,  to-morrow  goes, 

And  still  thou  art  to  do  it. 
Thus  still  repentance  is  deferred, 

From  one  day  to  another : 
Until  the  day  of  death  is  come 

And  judgment  is  the  other.  Vrexelius. 

Go.  let  me  weep  !  there  's  bliss  in  tears, 

"When  he  who  sheds  them  inly  feels 
Some  lingering  strain  of  early  years 

Effaced  by  every  drop  that  steals. 
The  fruitless  showers  of  worldly  woe 

Fall  dark  to  earth  and  never  rise  ; 
While  tears  that  from  repentance  flow, 

In  bright  exhalement  reach  the  skies. 


492  REPENTANCE. 


Leave  me  to  sigh  o'er  hours  that  flew 

More  idly  then  the  summer's  wind ; 
And  while  they  pass'd  a  fragrance  threw, 

But  left  no  trace  of  sweets  behind. 
The  warmest  sigh  that  pleasure  heaves 

Is  faint,  is  cold  to  those  that  swell 
The  heart,  where  pure  repentance  grieves 

O'er  hours  of  pleasure  loved  too  well.  Moore. 

He  who  seeks  Repentance  for  the  past, 
Should  woo  the  angel  virtue  for  the  future. 

Sir  B.  B.  Lytton. 

Divine  Repentance,  in  thy  sacred  tear 
Alone  is  wisdom  for  the  erring  heart. 
That  infancy  of  soul,  that  stainless  hour 
When  all  the  chaos  of  our  spirit  sleeps 
In  passionless  repose, — how  oft  it  woos 
Our  feelings  back  to  purity  and  Heaven ! 
Alas  !  that  in  our  solitude  we  soar 
To  perfect  goodness,  but  in  life  descend 
To  dust  again  ! — our  aspirations  quenched ; 
And  all  that  purer  moments  wisely  taught, 
Denied,  degraded,  or  forgot ! — Thus  glide 
Our  years  along,  in  melancholy  dreams 
Of  what  they  dare,  and  what  they  cannot  be  ! 

R.  Montgomery. 

Repentance  clothes  in  grass  and  flowers 
The  grave  in  which  the  past  is  laid. 

John  Sterling. 

O  blest  Repentance,  in  thy  weeping  eye 

Swim  the  pure  beams  of  embryo-ecstacy. 

And  Faith,  and  Hope,  and  Love,  and  Joy,  prepare 

To  still  thy  heart,  and  wipe  thy  bitter  tear ! 

To  thee  alone  the  privilege  is  given, 

By  earthly  woe,  to  kindle  joy  in  Heaven, 

For  God  Himself  descends  to  soothe  the  heart 

That  weeps  o'er  sin,  and  struggles  to  depart ; 

And  deeper  transport  swells  the  bliss  above, 

As  seraphs  sing  the  triumphs  of  His  love. 

J.  K.  Mitchell. 


BESIGNATION.  493 


EESIGNATION. 

I  would  seek  onto  Cod,  and  unto  God  would  I  commit  my  oanfl    : 

Which   doeth   great    things   and    unsearchable;    marvellous    things 
without  number.— Job.  v.  8,  9. 

I  know,  O  Lord,  that  Thy  judgments  are  ri.u'ht.  and  that  thou  in 
faithfulness  has:   afflicted  me.     Psalm  cxix.  75. 

If,  friendless,  in  a  vale  of  tears  I  stray, 

Where  briars  wound,  and  thorns  perplex  my  way — 

Still  let  my  steady  soul  Thy  goodness  see, 

And  with  strong  confidence  lay  hold  on  Thee ; 

With  equal  eye  my  various  lot  receive, 

Resigned  to  die,  or  resolute  to  live ; 

Prepared  to  kiss  the  sceptre  or  the  rod, 

While  God  is  seen  in  all,  and  all  in  God. 

Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Thou  Power  supreme  !  whose  mighty  scheme, 

These  woes  of  mine  fulfil, 
Here  firm  I  rest ;  they  must  be  best, 

Because  they  are  Thy  will ! 
Then  all  I  want,  (O  do  Thou  grant 

This  one  request  of  mine  !) 
Since  to  enjoy  Thou  didst  deny, 

Assist  me  to  resign.  Burns. 

Luxury  and  pomp 
Are  but  the  splendid  cover  of  distress 
Bankling  within  ;  while  conscience,  ever  gay, 
And  placid  resignation  to  his  lot, 
Cheer  the  poor  tattered  pilgrim,  and  derive 
A  flavour  to  his  casual  homely  meal, 
The  rich  man's  laboured  dainties  cannot  yield. 

George  Bally. 

Yet  is  He  there :  beneath  our  eaves 

Each  sound  His  wakeful  ear  receives ; 

Hush  idle  words,  and  thoughts  of  ill, 

Your  Lord  is  listening ;  peace,  be  still. 

Christ  watches  by  a  Christian's  hearth, 

Be  silent,  vain,  deluding  mirth, 

Till  in  thine  altered  voice  be  known, 

Somewhat  of  resignation  s  tone.  Keble. 


494  BEST. 


REST. 


RETURN  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul ;  for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bounti- 
fully with  thee.— Psalm  cxvi.  7. 

Arise  ye,  and  depart ;  for  this  is  not  your  rest:  because  it  is  polluted. 
— Micah,  ii.  10. 

Let  us  therefore  fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into 
His  rest,  any  of  you  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it. 

There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  of  G-od. — Hebrews, 
iv.  1,  9. 

I  pass,  with  melancholy  state, 

By  all  these  solemn  heaps  of  fate, 

And  think,  as  soft  and  sad  I  tread 

Above  the  venerable  dead, 

"Time  was,  like  me,  they  life  possessed; 

And  time  will  be,  when  I  shall  rest."  Parnell. 


Think  not  of  rest ;  though  dreams  be  sweet, 

Start  up,  and  ply  your  heavenward  feet. 

Is  not  God's  oath  upon  your  head, 

Ne'er  to  sink  back  on  slothful  bed, 

Never  again  your  loins  untie, 

Nor  let  your  torches  waste  and  die, 

Till,  when  the  shadows  thickest  fall, 

Ye  hear  your  Master's  midnight  call  ?  Keble. 

Hail,  heavenly  voice,  once  heard  in  Patmos  ;  "Write, 

Henceforth  the  dead  who  die  in  Christ  are  blest : 

Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  for  they  now  shall  rest 
From  all  their  labours  !"     But  no  dull,  dark  night 
That  rest  o'ershadows  :  't  is  the  day-spring  bright 

Of  bliss  ;  the  foretaste  of  a  richer  feast ; 

A  sleep,  if  sleep  it  be,  of  lively  zest, 
Peopled  with  visions  of  intense  delight. 
And  though  the  secrets  of  that  resting -place 

The  soul  embodied  knows  not ;  yet  she  knows 
No  sin  is  there  God's  likeness  to  deface, 

To  stint  His  love,  no  purgatorial  woes ; 
Her  dross  is  left  behind,  nor  mixture  base 

Mars  the  pure  stream  of  her  serene  repose. 

Bishop  Mant. 


BEST.  495 

Hail  to  the  day,  which  He,  who  made  the  Heaven, 
Earth,  and  their  armies,  sanctified  and  blest, 
Perpetual  memory  of  the  Maker's  re*t .' 
Hail  to  the  day,  when  He,  by  whom  was  given 
New  life  to  man,  the  tomb  asunder  riven. 

Arose !     That  day  His  church  hath  still  confest, 
At  once  creation's  and  redemption's  feast, 
Sign  of  a  world  call'd  forth,  a  world  forgiven. 
Welcome  that  day,  the  day  of  holy  peace, 

The  Lord's  own  day !  to  man's  Creator  owed, 
And  man's  Redeemer ;  for  the  soul's  increase 

In  sanctity,  and  sweet  repose  bestowed  ; 
Type  of  the  re*t,  when  sin  and  care  shall  cease, 
The  rest  remaining  for  the  lov'd  of  God. 

Bishop  Mant. 
Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  hear  our  vows, 
On  this  Thy  day,  in  this  Thy  house, 
And  own,  as  grateful  sacrifice, 
The  songs  which  from  the  desert  rise. 
Thine  earthly  sabbaths,  Lord,  we  love, 
But  there  's  a  nobler  rest  above  ; 
To  that  our  labouring  souls  aspire, 
With  ardent  pangs  of  strong  desire. 
No  more  fatigue,  no  more  distress, 
Nor  sin  nor  hell  shall  reach  the  place  ; 
No  groans  to  mingle  with  the  songs 
Which  warble  from  immortal  tongues. 
No  rude  alarms  of  raging  foes; 
No  cares  to  break  the  long  repose  ; 
No  midnight  shade,  no  clouded  sun, 
But  sacred,  high,  eternal  noon. 

O  long-expected  day,  begin, 

Dawn  on  these  realms  of  woe  and  sin! 

Fain  would  we  leave  this  weary  road, 

And  sleep  in  death  to  rest  with  God. 

Dr.  Doddridge. 
O,  rest  not  now.  but  scatter  wide  the  seeds 
Of  faithful  words,  and  yet  more  faithful  deeds ; 
So  thou  shalt  rent  above  eternally, 
When  God  the  harvest  fruit  shall  give  to  thee. 

Bet/iuue, 


496  EEST. 

Not  in  this  weary  world  of  ours 

Can  perfect  rest  be  found  ; 
Thorns  mingle  with  its  fairest  flowers, 

Even  on  cultured  ground; 
Earth's  pilgrim  still  his  loins  must  gird 

To  seek  a  lot  more  blest ; 
And  this  must  be  his  onward  word — 

' 'In  Heaven  alone  is  rest!"       Bernard  Barton. 


He  passeth  calmly  from  that  sunny  morn, 
Where  all  the  buds  of  youth  are  newly  born, 
Through  varying  intervals  of  onward  years, 
Until  the  eve  of  his  decline  appears  ; 
And  while  the  shadows  round  his  path  descend, 
And  down  the  vale  of  age  his  footsteps  tend, 
Peace  o'er  his  bosom  sheds  her  soft  control, 
And  throngs  of  gentlest  memories  charm  the  soul ; 
Then,  weaned  from  earth,  he  turns  his  steadfast  eye 
Beyond  the  grave,  whose  verge  he  falters  nigh, 
Surveys  the  brightening  regions  of  the  blest, 
And,  like  a  wearied  pilgrim,  sinks  to  rest. 

Willis  G.  Clark. 

Oh,  when  life's  sunset  draws  around  me, 

Closing  my  eventful  day, 
Let  Thy  love,  O  Christ,  upon  me 

Shed  its  pure  and  spirit  ray. 
Up  the  starry  steeps  of  even, 

Let  Thy  spirit  be  my  guide, 
Till  in  the  deathless  light  of  heaven, 

Lost  to  earth,  my  spirit  glide. 

There,  where  daylight  ever  lingers, 

O'er  the  vernal  flower-clad  plains, — 
There,  where  morning's  rosy  fingers 

Wreathe  with  light  the  azure  main — 
There,  where  all  we  dream  of  brightness, 

Joy  or  peace,  to  make  us  blest, 
May  the  wrapt  soul  on  wings  of  lightness 

find  rest,  ah,  yes  :  eternal  rest.     Rev.  E.  Case. 


RESURRECTION.  497 


RESURRECTION— RISING . 

.1  BSU8  ol  Nazareth,  which  was  crucified  :  he  is  risen  :  he  is  not  here  : 
Mark.  xvi.  8. 

The  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  thai  are  in  the  grave  shall 
bear  His  voice,  and  shall  come  forth:  they  that  have  done  good,  unto 
the  resurrection  of  life;  and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resur- 
rection of  damnation.  -John.  v.  M 

I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life :  he  that  believeth  in  me,  though 
be  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in 

me  shall  never  die. — John.  xi.  •_'•'>.  2(i. 

Now  le  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first-fruits  of 
them  that  slept. 

For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead. 

For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. — 
I.  Corinthians,  xv.  20,  I'l.  22. 

The  waking  cock,  that  early  crows 

To  wear  the  night  away, 
Puts  in  ray  mind  the  trump  that  blows 

Before  the  latter  day ; 
And  as  I  rise  up  lustily, 

When  sluggish  sleep  is  past, 
So  hope  I  to  rise  joyfully 

To  judgment,  at  the  last.     George  Qascoigne. 

Up,  and  away, 

Thy  Saviour's  gone  before, 
Why  dost  th«Mi  stay, 

Dull  soul  ?     Behold  the  door 
Is  open,  and  His  precepts  bid  thee  rise, 
Whose  power  hath  vanquished  all  thine  enemies. 
In  vain  thou  say'st 

Thou  art  buried  with  thy  Saviour, 
If  thou  delay'st 

To  show  by  thy  behaviour, 
That  thou  art  risen  with  Him.     Till  thou  shine 
Like  Him,  how  canst  thou  say  His  light  is  thine. 
Open  thine  eyes 

Sin-seized  soul,  and  see 
What  cobweb  ties 

They  are  that  trammel  thee  ; 
Not  profit,  pleasure,  honours,  as  thou  thinkest. 
But  loss,  pain,  shame,  at  which  thou  vainly  winkest. 
2   E 


498  RESURRECTION. 


All  that  is  good 

Thy  Saviour  dearly  bought 
With  His  heart's  blood, 

And  it  must  then  be  sought, 
Where  he  keeps  residence,  who  rose  this  day  ; 
Linger  no  longer  then,  up  and  away. 

George  Herbert. 

What  though  my  body  run  to  dust  ? 

Faith  cleaves  unto  it,  counting  every  grain, 
With  an  exact  and  most  particular  trust, 

Reserving  all  for  flesh  again.  George  Herbert. 

Man  but  dives  in  death  ; 
Dives  from  the  sun,  in  fairer  day  to  rise ; 
The  grave  his  subterranean  road  to  bliss.  Young. 

Angels  of  Heaven, 
Ye  who  beheld  Him  fainting  on  the  cross, 
And  did  Him  homage,  say,  may  mortal  join 
The  hallelujahs  of  the  risen  God  ? 
Will  the  faint  voice  and  grovelling  song  be  heard 
Amid  the  seraphim  in  light  divine  ? 
Yes,  He  will  deign,  the  Prince  of  Peace  will  deign 
For  mercy  to  accept  the  hymn  of  faith, 
Low  tho'  it  be  and  humble.     Lord  of  life, 
The  Christ,  the  Comforter !  thine  advent  now 
Fills  my  uprising  soul.     I  mount,  I  fly 
Far  o'er  the  skies,  beyond  the  rolling  orbs  ; 
The  bonds  of  flesh  dissolve,  and  earth  recedes, 
And  care,  and  pain,  and  sorrow,  are  no  more. 

Henry  KirJce  White. 

These  ashes  too,  the  little  dust 

Our  Father's  care  shall  keep, 
Till  the  last  angel  rise  and  break 

The  long  and  dreary  sleep. 
Then  Love's  soft  dew  on  every  eye 

Shall  shed  its  mildest  rays  ; 
And  the  long-silent  dust  shall  burst 

With  shouts  of  endless  praise. 

Henry  Kirke  White. 


REST7BBECTI0N.  499 


Majestical  He  rose :  trembled  the  earth  ; 

The  ponderous  gate  of  stone  was  rolled  away  ; 

The  keepers  fell,  the  angels,  awe-struck,  sunk 

Into  invisibility,  while  forth 

The  Saviour  of  the  world  walked,  and  stood 

Before  the  sepulchre,  and  viewed  the  clouds 

Empurpled  glorious  by  the  rising  sun.  Graham. 

Jesus  is  risen!  triumphal  anthems  sing; 
Thus  from  dead  winter  mounts  the  sprightly  spring ; 
Thus  does  the  sun  from  night's  black  shades  return, 
And  thus  the  single  bird  wings  from  the  Arabian  urn. 
Jesus  is  risen  !  He  shall  the  world  restore ! 
Awake,  ye  dead !  dull  sinners,  sleep  no  more  ! 

Wesley. 

Christ  hath  arisen  !    Oh  !  not  one  cherished  head 

Hath  'midst  the  flowery  sods  been  pillowed  here 
"Without  a  hope,  (howe'er  the  heart  hath  bled 
In  its  vain  yearnings  o'er  the  unconscious  bier,) 
A  hope  upspringing  clear 
From  those  majestic  tidings  of  the  morn, 
Which  lit  the  living  way  to  all  of  woman  born. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 

When  by  a  good  man's  grave  I  muse  alone, 

Methinks  an  angel  sits  upon  the  stone ; 

Like  those  of  old,  on  that  thrice-hallowed  night, 

Who  sat  and  watched  in  raiment  heavenly  bright ; 

And  with  a  voice  inspiring  joy,  not  fear, 

Says,  pointing  upwards — that  he  is  not  here, 

That  he  is  risen.  Samuel  Rogers. 

Deign  from  Thy  glory,  Saviour,  now  to  shed 

On  us  Thy  quickening  Spirit's  influence, 

That,  risen  with  Thee,  our  hearts  with  strong  desire 

May  seek  the  things  above,  and  join  the  strain 

Of  seraphs  that  surround  Thy  sapphire  throne, 

Mingle  our  songs  with  theirs,  till,  in  one  tide 

Of  harmony,  the  pealing  anthem  roll 

O'er  the  eternal  hills,  and  waft  Thy  deathless  fame. 

S.  Stennet. 


500  REVELATION. 


REVELATION. 

THE  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness 
and  unrighteousness  of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness  ; 

Because  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is  manifest  in  them ;  for 
God  hath  shewed  it  unto  them. — Romans,  i.  18,  19. 

Now  to  him  that  is  of  power  to  stablish  you  according  to  my  gospel, 
and  the  preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  revelation  of  the 
mystery,  which  was  kept  secret  since  the  world  began,  but  now  is 
made  manifest. — Romans,  xvi.  25,  26. 

Gird  up  the  loins  of  your  mind,  be  sober,  and  hope  to  the  end  for 
the  grace  that  is  to  be  brought  unto  vou  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ.— I.  Peter,  i.  13. 

Revealed  religion  first  informed  thy  sight, 
And  Reason  saw  not  till  Faith  sprung  to  light. 
Hence  all  thy  natural  worship  takes  the  source : 
'Tis  Revelation,  what  thou  think'st  discourse, 
Else  how  com'st  thou  to  see  those  truths  so  clear, 
Which  so  obscure  to  heathens  did  appear.  Dryden. 

Thy  throne  is  darkness  in  the  abyss  of  light, 
A  blaze  of  glory  that  forbids  the  sight ; 
O,  teach  me  to  believe  Thee  thus  concealed, 
And  search  no  farther  than  Thyself  revealed. 

Dryden. 

Bright  as  the  morning  of  primeval  day 

Burst  on  the  waters  of  chaotic  gloom, 

Came  Revelation  on  the  darksome  world ! — 

Then  error  vanish'd  in  celestial  truth, 

Hush'd  were  the  oracles,  and  quench'd  the  fires 

That  savage  bigotry  for  ages  fed  : 

New  light,  new  order,  new  existence  rose ! 

The  pangs  of  woe,  the  wrongs  of  patient  worth, 

Were  now  no  more,  as  once  their  truth  had  been : 

Eternity  would  pay  the  debt  of  time, 

The  soul  redeem,  and  justify  her  God. 

R.  Montgomery. 
Sad  error  this,  to  take 
The  light  of  Nature,  rather  than  the  light 
Of  Revelation  for  a  guide,     As  well 
Prefer  the  borrowed  light  of  earth's  pale  moon 
To  the  effulgence  of  the  noon-day  sun. 

David  Bates. 


REVENGE.  501 


REVENGE. 

ALL  my  familiars  watched  for  my  halting,  saying,  Peradventure  he 
will  be  enticed,  and  we  shall  prevail  against  him,  and  we  shall  take 
our  revenge  on  him. — Jeremiah.  XX.   10. 

Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather  give  place  unto 
wrath. — Romans,  xii.  19. 

Talk  not. of  fame  !     What  fame  enjoyed  that  wretch 
That  slew  his  brother?  he  who  could  not  brook 
Rejection  from  his  God,  with  anger  fired, 
With  envy  stung,  the  ties  of  nature  burst, 
And  sacrificed  the  guiltless  to  revenge. 

C.  P.  Layard. 

The  fairest  action  of  our  human  life 

Is,  scorning  to  revenge  an  injury  ; 
For  who  forgives  without  a  further  strife, 

His  adversary's  heart  doth  to  him  tie : 
And  't  is  a  firmer  conquest,  truly  said, 

To  win  the  heart,  than  overthrow  the  head. 

Lady  Carew. 

Bow  rash,  how  inconsiderate  is  rage! 
How  wretched,  O,  how  fatal  is  our  error, 
When  to  revenge  precipitate  we  run ! 
Revenge,  that  still  with  double  force  recoils 
Back  on  itself,  and  is  its  own  revenge. 
While  to  the  short-lived,  momentary  joy, 
Succeeds  a  train  of  woes — an  age  of  torment. 

Froxvde. 

A  wrong  avenged  is  doubly  perpetrated ; 
Two  sinners  stand,  where  lately  stood  but  one. 

Thomas  Mc Keller. 

Why  should  man 
For  a  hasty  syllable  or  two, 
And  vented  only  in  forgetful  fury, 
Chain  all  the  hopes  and  riches  of  his  soul 
To  the  revenge  of  that  ?     Die  lost  for  ever ! 
For  he  that  makes  his  last  peace  with  his  Maker 
In  anger,  anger  is  his  peace  eternally  : 
He  must  expect  the  same  return  again 
Whose  venture  is  deceitful.  Rowley. 


502  BEVERENCE. 


REVERENCE. 

GOD  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the  assembly  of  the  saints,  and  to  be 
had  in  reverence  of  all  them  that  are  about  Him. — Psalm  lxxxix.  7. 

He  sent   redemption   unto   His   people :    He  hath   commanded   His 
covenant  for  ever :  holy  and  reverend  is  His  name. — Psalm  cxi.  9. 

"We  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh  which  corrected  us,  and  we  save 
them  reverence. — Hebrews,  xii.  9. 

While  they  pervert  pure  nature's  healthful  rules 
To  loathsome  sickness,  worthily,  since  they 
G-od's  image  did  not  reverence  in  themselves. 

Milton. 
Eternal  Spirit !  grant 
The  wisdom  meek,  that  lives  on  truth  divine 
However  veiled.     A  waiting  mind  impart, 
And  in  our  weakness  show  our  strength  to  dwell, 
Like  as  of  old  the  pensive  Mary  sat 
Low  at  His  feet,  and  listened  to  her  Lord ; 
Absorb'd  and  self-renouncing,  be  our  soul 
Before  the  cross  in  docile  reverence  bent. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Leaning  on  Him,  make  with  reverent  meekness 

His  own,  thy  will ; 
And  with  strength  from  Him  shall  thy  utter  weakness 

Life's  task  fulfil ; 
And  that  cloud  itself,  which  now  before  thee 

Lies  dark  in  view, 
Shall  with  beams  of  light,  from  the  inner  glory, 

Be  stricken  through.  Whittier. 

He  that  to  his  earthly  parent 

Pays  not  reverence  due, 
To  His  great  Almighty  Father 

Will  be  careless  too  : 
He  whose  filial  love  is  mingled 

With  no  filial  fear, 
Scarcely  will  from  sad  reproaches 

Keep  his  conscience  clear. 
Grant  me,  Lord,  to  duly  mingle 

Love  and  fear,  that  so 
I  revere  my  parents  earthly, 

And  for  Thee  true  reverenee  know.  Egone. 


REWARD. 


503 


BE  WARD. 

VERILY  there  is  a  retcard  for  the  righteous. — Psalm  lviii.  11. 

Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt  ihou  behold  and  see  the  retcard  of   the 
:.— Psalm  x 

Behold  the  Lord  God  will  come  with  strong  hand,  and  his  arm  shall 
rule  for  him;  behold,  hi-  with   him,  and  his  work  before 

-  dan,  xl.  10. 

To  judge  the  unfaithful  dead,  but  to  reward 

His  faithful,  and  receive  them  into  bliss.  Milton. 

Blest  are  the  humble  souls  that  see 

Their  emptiness  and  poverty, 

Treasures  of  grace  to  them  are  given, 

And  crowns  of  joy  laid  up  in  heaven. 

Blest  are  the  men  of  broken  heart, 

Who  mourn  for  sin  with  inward  smart, 

The  blood  of  Christ  divinely  flows, 

A  healing  balm  for  all  their  woes. 

Blest  are  the  souls  who  thirst  for  grace. 

Hunger  and  long  for  righteousness  ; 

They  shall  be  well  supplied,  and  fed 

With  living  streams  and  living  bread. 

Blest  are  the  sufferers,  who  partake 

Of  pain  and  shame  for  Jesus'  sake, 

Their  souls  shall  triumph  in  the  Lord, 

Glory  and  joy  are  their  reward.  Watts. 

And  I  am  glad  that  he  has  lived  thus  long, 
And  glad  that  he  has  gone  to  his  reward: 
Nor  deem  that  kindly  Mature  did  him  wrong, 

Softly  to  disengage  the  vital  cord. 
WTien  his  weak  hand  grew  palsied,  with  his  eye 
Dark  with  the  mists  of  age,  it  was  his  time  to  die. 

Wm.  C.  Bryant. 
Reward  me  not  according  to  my  deeds, 
But  give  me  grace  to  stand  before  Thy  throne, 
Clad  in  the  robe  of  righteousness,  which  He, 
The  Saviour,  graciously  hath  lent  to  hide 
The  foul  and  leprous  taint  of  guilt.     O  grant 
That  His  reward  may  rescue  me  from  death  ! 

Egone. 


504 


RICHES. 

LABOVR  not  to  be  rich:  cease  from  thine  own  wisdom. 

"Wilt  thou  set  thine  eyes  upon  that  which  is  not?  for  riches  certainly 
make  themselves  wings :  they  fly  away  as  an  eagle  toward  heaven. — 
Proverbs,  xxiii.  4,  ">. 

How  hardlv  shall  thev  that  have  riches  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God.— Mark,  x.  23. 

For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that,  though  he 
was  rich, yet  for  your  snkes  he  became  poor,  that  re  through  his  poverty 
might  be  rich. — II.  Corinthians,  viii.  9. 

High-built  abundance,  heap  on  heap  !  for  what? 

To  breed  new  wants,  and  beggar  us  the  more ; 

Then  make  a  richer  scramble  for  the  throng, 

Soon  as  this  feeble  pulse,  which  leaps  so  long, 

Almost  by  miracle,  is  tired  of  play.  Young. 

All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  its  glory  fades 
Like  the  fair  flower,  dishevelled  in  the  wind  ; 
Riches  have  wings,  and  grandeur  is  a  dream. 

Cowper. 

Nor  riches  boast  intrinsic  worth, 

Their  charms  at  best  superior  earth  : 

These  oft  the  heaven-born  mind  enslave, 

And  make  an  honest  man  a  knave. 

"Wealth  cures  my  wants,"  the  miser  cries. 

Be  not  deceived — the  miser  lies  : 

One  want  he  has,  with  all  his  store, 

That  worst  of  wants — the  want  of  more. 

Cotton. 

My  soul,  with  all  thy  weakened  powers 

Survey  the  heavenly  prize ! 
Nor  let  these  glittering  toys  of  earth 

Allure  thy  wandering  eyes. 

The  joys  and  treasures  of  a  day 

I  cheerfully  resign ; 
Rich  in  that  large,  immortal  store, 

Secured  by  grace  divine.  Doddridge. 

Riches  are  akin 
To  fear,  to  change,  to  cowardice,  and  death. 

Wordsioorth. 


RIGHTEOUSNESS.  505 


RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

BUT  we  are  all  a*  an  unclean  thiiu.  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are 
as  filthy  rags. — Isaiah,  lxiv.  8. 

We  do  not  present  our  supplications  before  Thee  for  our  righteous- 
nesses, but  for  thy  great  mercies. — Daniel,  ix.  18. 

For  they  being  ignorant  of  Gtod'a  righteousness,  and  going  about  to 
establish  their  own  righteousness,  have  not  submitted  themselves  unto 
the  righteousness  of  God. — Romans,  x.  8. 


At  me !  how  many  perils  do  enfold 

The  righteous  man,  to  make  him  daily  fall ! 

Were  not  that  heavenly  grace  doth  him  uphold, 

And  steadfast  truth  acquit  him  out  of  all.  Spenser. 

Lord,  grant  my  just  request ;  O  hear  my  cry, 
And  prayers  that  lips  untouched  by  guile  unfold, 

My  cause  before  Thy  high  tribunal  try, 

And  let  Thine  eyes  my  Righteousness  behold. 

For  impious  men,  and  such  as  deadly  hate 
My  guiltless  soul,  have  compassed  me  about ; 

Who  swell  with  pride,  enclosed  in  their  own  fate, 
And  words  of  contumely  thunder  out. 

Filled  with  Thy  secret  treasure,  to  Thy  race, 

They  their  accumulated  riches  leave  ! 
But  I  with  righteousness  shall  see  Thy  face ; 

And  rising  in  Thy  image,  joy  receive.  Sandys. 

What  is  all  righteousness  that  men  devise? 
What,  but  a  sordid  bargain  for  the  skies  ? 
But  Christ  as  soon  would  abdicate  His  own, 
As  stoop  from  Heaven  to  sell  the  proud  a  throne. 

Coivper. 

All  hail ! — the  age  of  crime  and  suffering  ends; 
The  reign  of  righteousness  from  Heaven  descends  ; 
Vengeance  for  ever  sheathes  the  afflicting  sword! 
Death  is  destroyed,  and  Paradise  restored  ; 
Man,  rising  from  the  ruins  of  his  fall, 
Is  one  with  God,  and  God  is  All  in  all. 

James  Montgomery. 


506  RIVERS. 


EIYERS. 

THERE  is  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  shall  make  glad  the  city  of 
God,  the  holy  places  of  the  tabernacles  of  the  Most  High.— Psalm 
xlvi.  4. 

All  the  rivers  run  into  the  sea ;  yet  the  sea  is  not  full ;  unto  the 
place  from  whence  the  rivers  come,  thither  they  return  again. — Eccle- 


River  !  river  !  headlong  river  ! 

Down  you  dash  unto  the  sea  ; 
Sea,  that  line  hath  never  sounded, 
Sea,  that  voyage  hath  never  rounded, 

Like  unto  Eternity  !  Mrs.  Southey. 

I  think  of  that  great  River 

That  from  the  throne  flows  free  ; 
Of  weary  pilgrims  on  its  brink, 
Who,  thirsting,  have  come  down  to  drink  ; 
Of  that  unfailing  Stream  I  think, 

When  earthly  streams  I  see !  Mary  Howitt. 

River,  beyond  the  rest 

Thou  wert  supremely  blest, 
When  Zion's  King  stood  in  thy  pearly  bed ; 

There  did  the  Saviour  stand, 

Pour  by  the  prophet's  hand 
Thy  simple  waves  o'er  His  anointed  head. 

O  Saviour !  in  that  tide 

Which  from  Thy  pierced  side 
On  Calvary's  mount  was  poured  out  like  wine, 

Cleanse  my  polluted  soul, 

The  wounds  of  sin  make  whole, 
And  breathe  Thy  spirit  o'er  this  heart  of  mine. 

W.  H.  Broionlee. 
Bountiful  rivers  !  not  upon  the  earth 
Is  record  traced  of  God's  exuberant  grace, 
So  deeply  graven,  as  the  channels  worn 
By  ever-flowing  streams.  Thomas  Ward. 

Oh,  beautiful  river, 
Flowing  so  fresh  and  so  free, 

I  thank  the  Great  Giver 
Of  every  good  gift  for  thee.  Egone. 


HOCK.  507 

ROCK. 

The  Lord  is  my  rock.— Psalm  xviii.  2. 

He  that  walketh  righteously,  and  speaketb  uprightly  ; 

He  shall  dwell  on  high  :  his  place  of  defence  shall  be  the  munitions 
of  rocks. — Isaiah,  xxxiii.  15,  16. 

Behold,  I   lay  in   Sion  a  stumbling-stone    and  rock  of   offence :  and 
whosoever  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed. — Romans,  ix.  33. 

God,  known  in  Hebron,  and  by  Kedar's  kill, 

His  glory  to  those  rocks  was  once  laid  bare ; 
Upon  the  mountain  top  we  seek  Thee  still, 

Lord,  tell  us  whether  Thou  art  there  ? 
Ye  peaceful  dwellers  in  these  blest  retreats  ; 

As  at  the  foot  of  mountains  Israel  prayed, 
For  tranquil  nights,  and  on  your  rocky  seats 

Are  sounds  to  you  from  heav'n  conveyed  ? 
Never  behold  ye  the  celestial  bands 

Upon  your  sacred  domes  alight  and  bend? 
Never  the  harpings  hear  of  angel-hands, 

Back  from  the  rocks  their  echoes  send  ? 

Rev.  W.  Pulling,  from  Lamartine. 

Rock  of  ages!  cleft  for  me! 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee  ! 

Let  the  water  and  the  blood 

From  thy  wounded  side  which  flowed, 

Be  of  sin  the  double  cure; 

Cleanse  me  from  its  guilt  and  power. 

While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath 

When  my  eyelids  close  in  death, 

When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown, 

See  Thee  on  thy  judgment  throne, 

Rock  of  ages  shelter  me ! 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee  !  Toplady. 

As  the  shade  of  a  rock  in  a  weary  land 
Whence  gush  the  fresh  waters  at  thy  command  ; 
As  a  rocky  foundation  whereon  to  build, 
As  a  fortress  of  rock  when  the  foe  is  afield, 
Such  Maker  and  Saviour  of  man  art  thou, 
Our  fortress,  our  rock,  and  our  shield  below. 

Kgone. 


508 


EOD. 


YEA,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I 
will  fear  no  evil :  for  Thou  art  with  me;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  they 
comfort  me.— Psalm  xxiii.  4. 

I  will  cause  you  to  pass  under  the  rod.— EzekieL  xx.  37. 

The  Lord's  voice  crieth  unto  the  city,  and  the  man  of  wisdom  shall 
see  thy  name :  hear  ye  the  rod,  and  who  hath  appointed  it. — Micah. 
vi.  9. 


Give  me  the  voice  of  mirth,  the  sound  of  laughter, 
The  sparkling  glance  of  pleasure's  roving  eye, 

The  past  is  past, — Avaunt  thou  dark  hereafter  ! 
"Come,  eat  and  drink — to-morrow  we  must  die !" 

So,  in  his  desperate  mood,  the  fool  hath  spoken — 
The  fool  whose  heart  hath  said,  "There  is  no  God." 

But  for  the  stricken  heart,  the  spirit  broken, 
There's  balm  in  Gilead  yet. — The  very  rod, 

If  we  but  kiss  it,  as  the  stroke  descendeth, 
Distilleth  balm  to  allay  the  inflicted  smart, 

And  "Peace  that  passeth  understanding,"  blendeth 
With  the  deep  sighing  of  the  contrite  heart. 

Caroline  Bowles. 

He  who  each  bitter  cup  rejects, 

No  living  spring  shall  quaff; 
He  whom  Thy  rod  in  love  corrects, 

Shall  lean  upon  Thy  staff: 
Happy,  thrice  happy,  then,  is  he, 
Who  knows  the  chastening  is  from  Thee ! 

Bernard  Barton. 

Faith  and  hope 
Will  teach  me  how  to  bear  my  lot ; 
To  think  Almighty  Wisdom  best, 

To  bow  my  head  and  murmur  not. 
The  chastening  hand  of  One  above 
Falls  heavy,  but  I  kiss  the  rod: 
He  gives  the  wound,  and  I  must  trust 
Its  healing  to  the  self-same  God. 

Eliza   Cook. 


SABBATH.  509 


SABBATH. 

Remembkr  the  Sabbath  da]  to  keep  it  holy.     Exodus,  xx.  s. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Keep  ye  judgment,  and  do  justice:  for  my 
.-alvation  is  near  to  come,  and  mj   righteousness  to  be  revealed. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  doeth  this,  and  the  son  of  man  that  layeth 
hold  on  it:  that  keepeth  the  Sabbath  from  pollating  it,  and  keepeth 
his  hand  from  doing  any  evil.     Isaiah,  hi.  1.  •_». 

The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man.  and  not  man  for  the  Sabbath. 

Therefore  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  also  of  the  Sabbath.  —  Mark.  ii. 
->7.  28. 

Gbeat  Lord  of  time !  Great  King  of  Heav'n, 

Since  weekly  Thou  renew 'st  my  days, 

To  Thee  shall  daily  thanks  be  giv'n, 

And  weekly  sacrifice  of  praise. 

This  day  the  light,  time's  eldest  born, 

Her  glorious  beams  did  first  display, 

And  then  the  evening  and  the  morn 

Did  first  obtain  the  name  of  day. 

Discretion  grant  me  so  to  know 

What  Sabbat k-r'\tes  Thou  dost  require, 

And  grace  my  duty  so  to  do, 

That  I  may  keep  Thy  law  entire.        George  Wither. 

Bright  shadows  of  true  rest !  some  shoots  of  bliss ; 

Heaven  once  a  week  ; 
The  next  world's  gladness  pre-possessed  in  this. 

Henry  Vaughan. 
How  many  blessed  groups  this  hour  are  bending 
Through  England's  primrose  meadow  paths,  their  way 
Towards  spire  and  tower,   'midst  shadowy  elms   de- 
scending, 
Whence  the  sweet  chimes  proclaim  the  hallowed  day. 
The  halls  from  old  heroic  ages  grey, 
Pour  their  fair  children  forth ;  and  hamkis  low, 
With  whose  thick  orchard  blooms  the  soft  winds  play, 
Send  out  their  inmates  in  a  happy  flow, 
Like  a  freed  vernal  stream.     I  may  not  tread 
With  them  those  pathways — to  the  feverish  bed 
Of  sickness  bound— yet  oh  my  God !  I  bless 
Thy  mercy,  that  with  Sabbath  peace  hath  filled 
My  chastening  heart,  and  all  its  throbbings  stilled 
To  one  deep  calm  of  lowliest  thankfulness. 

Mrs.  Remans. 


510  SABBATH. 

The  cheerful  Sabbath  bells,  wherever  heard, 

Strike  pleasant  on  the  sense,  most  like  the  voice 

Of  one  who  from  the  far  off  hills  proclaims 

Tidings  of  good  to  Zion.  Charles  Lamb. 

The  Sabbath  bell, 
That  over  wood,  and  wild,  and  mountain-dell 
Wanders  so  far,  chasing  all  thoughts  unholy 
With  sounds  most  musical,  most  melancholy. 

Samuel  Rogers. 

Ah !  why  should  a  thought  of  a  world  that  is  flying, 
Encumber  the  pleasure  of  seasons  like  these  ? 

Or,  why  should  the  Sabbath  be  sullied  with  sighing, 
While  Faith  the  bright  side  of  eternity  sees! 

Now  let  us  repose  from  our  care  and  our  sorrow, 
Let  all  that  is  anxious  and  sad  pass  away ; 

The  rough  cares  of  life  lay  aside  till  to-morrow, 
But  let  us  be  tranquil  and  happy  to-day. 

Let  us  say  to  the  world,  should  it  tempt  us  to  wander, 
As  Abraham  said  to  his  men  on  the  plain, 

There 's  the  mountain  of  prayer,  I  am  going  up  yonder, 
And  tarry  you  here  till  I  seek  you  again. 

To-day  on  that  mount  we  would  seek  for  Thy  blessing, 
O  Spirit  of  Holiness  meet  with  us  there ! 

Our  hearts  then  will  feel,  Thine  high  influence  possessing, 
The  sweetness  of  praise,  and  the  favour  of  prayer. 

James  Edmeston. 

'T  is  past !  no  more  the  Summer  blooms  ! 

Ascending  in  the  rear, 
Behold,  congenial  Autumn  comes, 

The  Sabbath  of  the  year ! 
What  time  thy  holy  whispers  breathe, 
The  pensive  evening  shade  beneath, 

And  twilight  consecrates  the  floods ; 
While  nature  strips  her  garment  gay, 
And  wears  the  verdure  of  decay, 

O,  let  me  wander  through  the  sounding  woods  ! 

Logan. 


SABBATH.  511 

When  through  the  peaceful  parish  swells 
The  music  of  the  Sabbath  bells, 
Duly  tread  the  sacred  road 
"Which  leads  you  to  the  house  of  God ; 
The  blessing  of  the  Lamb  is  there, 
For  "God  is  in  the  midst  of  her." 

Bishop  Mant. 

Whether  men  sow  or  reap  the  fields, 
Her  admonitions  nature  yields  ; 
That  not  by  bread  alone  we  live, 
Or  what  a  hand  of  flesh  can  give  ? 
That  every  day  should  leave  some  part 
Free  for  a  Sabbath  of  the  heart ; 
So  shall  the  seventh  be  truly  blest, 
From  morn  to  eve  with  hallowed  rest. 

Wordsworth . 

On  the   seventh  day  reposing,  lo !    the  great   Creator 

stood, 
Saw  the   glorious  work   accomplished, — saw   and   felt 

that  it  was  good ; 
Heaven,  earth,  man,  and  beast  have   being,  day  and 

night  their  courses  run, — 
First  creation, — infant   manhood, — earliest  Sabbath, — 

it  is  done. 

On  the  seventh  day  reposing,  Jesus  filled  His  sainted 

tomb, 
From    His   spirit's   toil    retreating,    while   He    broke 

man's  fatal  doom  ; 
Twas   a  new   creation    bursting,    brighter    than    the 

primal  one, — 
'Tis    fulfilment, — reconcilement;    'tis   redemption, — it 

is  done.  Da  Costa. 

The  All-beneficent 
Cares  for  man's  better  nature,  and  has  given 
This  Sabbath-rest  to  lead  his  thoughts  to  Heaven. 
Myriads  of  thanks  for  this  divinest  gift, 
For  this  perpetually  recurring  day — 
"Wherein  both  rich  and  poor — bond — free — can  lift 
Their  hopes  above  this  fading  world,  and  pray. 

JE.  J.  Eames. 


512  SABBATH. 


The  solemn  tolling  of  the  Sabbath  bell 

Hath  something  in  it  holier  than  of  earth  ; 
And  when  loud  anthems  to  Jehovah  swell, 
The  spirit  longeth  for  a  heavenly  birth; 
And,  catching  impulse  from  the  good  man's  prayer, 
The  heart  is  softened  to  contrition  there. 

Isaac  F.  Shepard. 
With  silent  awe  I  hail  the  sacred  morn, 

Which  slowly  wakes  while  all  the  fields  are  still ; 
A  soothing  calm  on  every  breeze  is  borne, 
A  graver  murmur  gurgles  from  the  rill, 
An  echo  answers  softer  from  the  hill, 
And  softer  sings  the  linnet  from  the  thorn, 
The  skylark  warbles  in  a  tone  less  shrill : 
Hail,  light  serene  !     Hail,  sacred  Sabbath  morn  ! 
The  rooks  float  by  in  silent,  airy  drove; 
The  sun  a  placid  yellow  lustre  shows  ; 
The  gales  that  lately  sighed  along  the  grove, 

Have  hushed  their  downy  wings  in  dead  repose ; 
The  hovering  rack  of  clouds  forgets  to  move : 
So  smiled  the  day,  when  the  first  morn  arose! 

Dr.  Ley  den. 
Yes!  blessed  Sabbath  morn,  thy  light 
Is  affluent  in  pure  delight 

To  those  who  love  thy  rest; 
Beyond  thy  sun,  a  heavenly  ray 
Adds  moral  lustre  to  the  day, 

And  shines  into  the  breast.  J.  K.  Mitchell. 

Too  soon  our  earthly  Sabbaths  end ! 
Cares  of  a  work-day  will  return, 
And  faint  our  hearts,  and  fitful,  burn  : 
O,  think,  my  soul,  beyond  compare, 
Think  what  a  Sabbath  must  be  there ; 
Where  all  is  holy  bliss,  that  knows 
Nor  imperfection,  nor  a  close. 

Thomas  Gr infield. 
It  is  the  Sabbath,  O  my  soul 

Own  its  divine  and  potent  sway ; 
Let  it  each  sinful  thought  control, 

For  thee,  for  that,  was  blest  this  day. 


SACRIFICE.  513 


SACRIFICE. 

thou  desiresl   not  •  would  I  give  it :  thou  deli 

not  in  burnt  offering. 

The  aacrifices  of  <•  »\  are  a  broken  spirit:  a  broken  and  ■  contrite 

heart.  O  God,  thou  wilt  D  Psalm  li.  If!.  17. 

I  will  offer  to  thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  and  will  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  — Psalm  cxvi.  17. 

For  it  is  not  possible  that  the  blood  of  bulls  and  of  goats  should 
take  away  sins. 

Wherefore  when  he  cometb  into  the  world,  he  saith,  Sacrifice  and 
offering  thou  wonldst  not,  but  a  body  hast  thon  prepared  me. — 
Hebrews,  x.  4,  5. 

ISee  where  man's  voluntary  sacrifice 
Bows  His  meek  head,  the  God  eternal  dies  ! 
Fixed  to  the  Cross  His  bleeding  arms  are  bound. 
While  copious  Mercy  streams  from  every  wound. 

Bishop  Louth. 

Thou,  Lord,  hast  said,  "the  blood  of  goats, 

The  flesh  of  rams  I  will  not  prize  ; — 
A  contrite  heart,  a  lowly  thought, 

Are  mine  accepted  sacrifice."  Sir  W.  Scott. 

When  all  the  breast  is  pure,  each  warm  desire 
Sublimed  by  holy  Love's  ethereal  fire, 
On  winged  words  our  breathing  thoughts  may  rise, 
And  soar  to  Heaven,  a  grateful  sacrifice. 

James  Scott. 
Well  may  the  cavern  depths  of  earth 
Be  shaken  and  her  mountains  nod  ; 
Well  may  the  sheeted  dead  come  forth 

To  gaze  upon  a  suffering  God ! 
Well  may  the  temple-shrine  grow  dim, 
And  shadows  veil  the  Cherubim, 
When  He,  the  chosen  One  of  Heaven, 
A  sacrifice  for  guilt  is  given !  J.  G.  Whittier. 

When  bees  sing  chorus  in  the  light, 

Of  infant  day  in  joy  begun, 
And  sparkling  dewdrops  clear  and  bright 

Mirror  the  full  uprising  sun, 
Then  let  us,  Lord  of  light,  arise, 

To  pay  our  early  sacrifice.  W.  Martin^ 

*  2l 


514  SAFETY. 


SAFETY— SAYING. 

I  AM  the  Lord  your  God. 

Wherefore  ye  shall  do  my  statutes,  and  keep  my  judgments,  and 
do  them;  and'  ve  shall  dwell  in  the  land  in  safety. — Leviticus,  xxr.  17. 
18. 

The  horse  is  prepared  against  the  day  of  battle:  but  safety  is  of 
the  Lord.— Proverbs,  xxi.  31. 

Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of  the  earth:  for  I 
am  God,  and  there  is  none  else.— Isaiah,  xiv.  22. 

The  Son  of  man  is  come  to  save  that  which  was  lost.— Matthew,  xviii. 
11. 

But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto  perdition  ;  but  of  them 
that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul,  -Hebrews,  x.  39. 


Should  any  to  himself  for  safety  fly  ? 

The  way  to  save  himself  (if  any  were) 
Is  to  fly  from  himself.     Should  he  rely 

Upon  the  promise  of  his  wife  ?     What  there, 
What  can  he  see,  but  that  he  most  may  fear, 
A  syren  sweet  to  death  ?    Upon  his  friends  ? 
Who  what  he  needs,  or  what  he  hath  not,  lends  ? 
Or  wanting  aid  himself,  and  to  another  sends  ? 

His  strength  ?  'Tis  dust : — His  pleasure  ?  cause  of  pain  : 
His  hope  ?  False  courtier: — Youth  or  beauty  ?  Brittle  : 
Intreaty  ?  Fond  : — Repentance  ?  Late  and  vain  : 
Just  recompense  ?  The  world  were  all  too  little  : 
Thy  love  ?  He  hath  no  title  to  a  tittle  : 

Hell's  force  ?  In  vain  her  furies  hell  shall  gather  : 
His  servants,  kinsmen,  or  his  children  rather  ? 
His  child  (if  good)  shall  judge  ;  (if  bad)  shall  curse 
his  father. 

His  life  ?     That  brings  him  to  his  end,  and  leaves  him  : 

His  end  ?     That  leaves  him  to  begin  his  woe  : 
His  goods  ?    What  good  is  this  which  so  deceives  him  ? 
His  gods  of  wood  ?     Their  feet,  alas  !  are  slow 
To  go  to  help,  which  must  be  helped  to  go : 

Honours,  great  worth  ?     Ah  !  little  worth  they  be 
Unto  their  owners  : — W^it  ?     That  makes  him  see 
He  wanted  wit,  who  thought  he  had  it,  wanting  Thee. 

Giles  Fletcher. 


SAFETY.  515 

U  tave  me,  Power 
Of  powers  supreme,  in  that  tremendous  hour ! 
Thou,  who  beneath  the  frowns  of  fate  hath  stood, 
And  in  Thy  dreadful  agony  sweat  blood ; 
Thou  who  for  me,  through  ev'ry  throbbing  vein, 
Hast  felt  the  keenest  edge  of  mortal  pain ; 
Whom  death  led  captive  through  the  realms  below, 
And  taught  those  horrid  mysteries  of  woe  : 
Defend  me,  O  my  God !     O  save  me,  Power 
Of  powers  supreme,  in  that  tremendous  hour ! 

Young. 
Encompass'd  with  ten  thousand  ills, 

Press 'd  by  pursuing  foes. 
I  lift  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills, 
From  whence  salvation  flows. 

My  help  is  from  the  Lord,  who  made 

And  governs  earth  and  sky  ; 
I  look  to  his  almighty  aid, 

And  ever-watching  eye. 

He  who  thy  soul  in  safety  keeps, 

Shall  drive  destruction  hence  ; 
The  Lord  thy  keeper  never  sleeps ; 

The  Lord  is  thy  defence.  /.  Montgomery. 

Place  me  on  some  desert  shore 

Foot  of  man  ne'er  wandered  o'er ; 

Lock  me  in  a  lonely  cell 

Beneath  some  prison  citadel  ; 

Still,  here  or  there,  within  I  find 

My  quiet  kingdom  of  the  mind; 

Nay,  'mid  the  tempest  fierce  and  dark, 

Float  me  in  peril's  frailest  barque. 

My  quenchless  soul  could  sit  and  think, 

And  smile  at  danger's  dizziest  brink ; 

And  wherefore  ?     God,  my  God  is  still 

King  of  kins:s  in  good  and  ill ; 

And  where  He  dwelleth — every  where — 

Safety  supreme  and  peace  are  there  ; 

And  where  He  reigneth — all  around — 

Wisdom,  and  love,  and  power  are  found, 

And,  reconciled  to  Him  and  bliss, 

"My  mind  to  me  a  kingdom  is."  Tupper. 


516  SAINT. 


SAINT. 

O  love  the  Lord,  all   ye  his  saints:  for    the  Lord  preserveth  the 
faithful.— Psalm  xxxi.  23. 

O  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints;  for  there  is  no   want  to  them  that 
fear  him.— -Psalm  xxxiv.  9. 

Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  which  hath  made  us  meet  to  be  par- 
takers of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. — Colossians,  i.  12. 

If  but  one  sun  with  his  diffusive  fires, 

Can  fill  the  stars  and  the  whole  world  with  light, 
And  joy  and  light  into  each  heart  inspires  : 

And  every  saint  shall  shine  in  heaven  as  bright ; 
As  doth  the  sun  in  his  transcendant  might ; 

(As  faith  may  well  believe  what  truth  once  says) 
What  shall  so  many  sun's  united  rays 
But  dazzle  all  the  eyes  that  now  in  heaven  we  praise  ? 

Here  let  my  Lord  hang  up  his  conquering  lance, 
And  bloody  armour  with  late  slaughter  warm  ; 
And  looking  down  on  his  weak  militants, 
Behold  his  saints  amidst  their  hot  alarm, 
Hang  all  their  golden  hopes  upon  his  arm ; 
And  on  this  lower  field  when  straying  wide 
Through    Satan's    wiles,   who   would    their    sails 
misguide, 
Anchor  their  fleshly  ships  fast  in  his  wounded  side. 

Giles  Fletcher. 
What  are  these  arrayed  in  white, 

Brighter  than  the  noonday  sun? 
Foremost  of  the  sons  of  light, 
Nearest  the  eternal  throne  ? 
These  are  they  that  bore  the  cross, 

Nobly  for  their  master  stood ; 
Sufferers  in  his  righteous  cause, 
Followers  of  the  dying  God. 
Out  of  great  distress  they  came, 

Wash'd  their  robes  by  faith  below 
In  the  blood  of  yonder  Lamb, 

Blood  that  washes  white  as  snow, 
Therefore  are  they  next  the  throne, 
Serve  their  Maker  day  and  night : 
God  resides  among  his  own, 

God  doth  in  his  saints  delight.  Be  Courcy. 


8AINT.  517 


A  Saint !  Oh,  would  that  I  could  claim 
The  privileged,  the  honour'd  name, 
And  confidently  take  my  stand, 
Though  lowest  in  the  saintly  band. 

Would,  though  it  were  in  scorn  applied 
That  term  the  test  of  truth  could  bide ! 
Like  kingly  salutation  given, 
In  mockery  to  the  king  of  Heaven. 

A  saint  f  and  what  imports  the  name 
Thus  banded  in  derision's  game? 
"Holy  and  separate  from  sin; 
To  good,  nay  even  to  God  akin." 

How  shall  the  name  of  saint  be  prized, 
Though  now  neglected  and  despised, 
And  sinners  to  their  doom  be  hurled, 
When  scorned  saints  shall  "judge  the  world." 

Harriot. 

From  saint  to  saint  the  world  around 

Celestial  odours  are  diffused  ; 
Sweet  thoughts  are  born  on  hallow'd  ground, 

Where  holy  men  have  mused. 

And  none  can  tell  how  many  springs 

Flow  to  sustain  one  soul  serene  ; 
But  every  hour  some  tribute  brings 

From  sources  quiet  and  unseen. 

The  loneliest  pilgrim  in  the  ways 

Is  never  in  his  prayers  alone; 
But  every  one  for  thousands  prays, 

And  thousands  pray  for  every  one. 

We  dwell  with  shadows  round  us  here, 
And  nought  is  bright  but  heaven  above : 

When  all  our  secret  friends  appear, 
How  many  shall  we  know  and  love  ! 

Yet,  as  we  learn  the  mystery, 

Around  One  holy  fount  we  fall, 
And,  in  the  light  eternal,  see 

That  God  is  all  in  all.  J.  Gostick. 


518  SALTATION. 


SALVATION. 

HE  that  is  our  God,  is  the  God  of  salvation.— Psalm  lxviii.  20. 

And  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  the  salvation  of  our  God.— 
Isaiah,  lii.  10. 

For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salvation 
by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. — I.  Thessalonians,  v.  9. 

A  cheerful  confidence  I  feel, 

My  well-placed  hopes  with  joy  I  see  ; 
My  bosom  glows  with  heavenly  zeal 

To  worship  Him  who  died  for  me. 
As  man  He  pities  my  complaint; 

His  power  and  truth  are  all  divine ; 
He  will  not  fail,  He  cannot  faint, 

Salvation  s  sure,  and  must  be  mine.         Cowper. 

Almighty  framer  of  the  skies ! 
O  let  our  pure  devotion  rise, 

Like  incense  in  thy  sight! 
Wrapt  in  impenetrable  shade 
The  texture  of  our  souls  was  made 

Till  Thy  command  gave  light. 
The  Son  of  Glory  gleamed  the  ray, 
Refined  the  darkness  into  day, 

And  bid  the  vapours  fly: 
Impelled  by  his  eternal  love. 
He  left  his  palaces  above 

To  cheer  our  gloomy  sky. 
How  shall  we  celebrate  the  day, 
When  God  appeared  in  mortal  clay, 

The  mark  of  worldly  scorn  : 
When  the  Archangel's  heavenly  lays 
Attempted  the  Redeemer's  praise, 

And  hail'd  salvation  s  morn.  Chatterton. 

"Thy  Spirit  knows  I  love  Thee."     Worthless  wretch, 

To  dare  to  love  a  God !     But,  grace  requires — 

And  grace  accepts — Love  divine 

Constrains  me  ;  I  am  thine.     Incarnate  Love 

Has  seized  and  holds  me  in  Almighty  arms : 

Here's  my  salvation,  my  eternal  hope, 

Amidst  the  wreck  of  worlds  and  dying  nature, 

"I  am  the  Lord's  ;  and  He  for  ever  mine."  Watts. 


SALVATION.  519 


Salvation  !    O  the  joyful  sound  ! 

'T  is  pleasure  to  our  ears  ; 
A  sov'reign  balm  for  every  wound, 

A  cordial  for  our  fears. 

Buried  in  sorrow  and  in  sin, 

At  hell's  dark  door  we  lay  ; 
But  we  arise  by  grace  divine 

To  see  a  heavenly  day. 

Salvation  !  let  the  echo  fly 
The  spacious  earth  around, 

While  all  the  armies  of  the  sky- 
Conspire  to  raise  the  sound.  Watts. 

Jesus,  transporting  sound  ! 

The  joy  of  earth  and  heaven  ; 
No  other  help  is  found, 

No  other  name  is  given, 
By  which  we  can  salvation  have, 
But  Jesus  came  the  world  to  save.  Wesley. 


If  the  best  Thy  great  salvation 

Must  attain  with  trembling  fear, 
Lord  and  Judge  of  all  creation, 

Where  should  sinful  man  appear  ? 

God  of  love  and  mercies  tender, 

Stern  to  vice,  to  weakness  mild, 
Teacher,  Saviour.  Sire,  Defender, 

Save,  O  save  Thy  suppliant  child  ! 

By  the  claims  which  saints  inherit 
From  Thy  blood  for  converts  pour'd, 

By  thy  all-prevailing  Spirit, — 
By  Thy  covenanted  Word, — 

By  Thy  tears,  in  sorrow  weeping, 

Over  harden'd  sinners'  doom  ; 
Take  me  to  Thy  gracious  keeping, 

Lead  me  to  Thy  glorious  home ! 

Bishop  Spencer. 


520 


SATAN. 


THEN  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan:  for  it  is  written, 
Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 
— Matthew,  iv.  10. 

And  the  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly. — 
Romans,  xvi.  20. 

The  other  shape, 
If  shape  it  might  be  called  that  shape  had  none 
Distinguishable  in  member,  joint,  or  limb  ; 
Or  substance  might  be  called  that  shadow  seemed, 
For  each  seemed  either  ;  black  it  stood  as  night, 
Fierce  as  ten  furies,  terrible  as  hell, 
And  shook  a  dreadful  dart ;  what  seemed  his  head, 
The  likeness  of  a  kingly  crown  had  on. 
Satan  was  now  at  hand ;  and  from  his  seat 
The  monster,  moving  onward,  came  as  fast 
With  horrid  strides,  hell  trembled  as  he  strode. 

Milton. 

He  trusted  to  have  equalled  the  Most  High, 

If  he  opposed  ;  and  with  ambitious  aim 

Against  the  throne  and  monarchy  of  God, 

Raised  impious  war  in  Heav'n  and  battle  proud 

"With  vain  attempt.     Him  the  Almighty  Power 

Hurled  headlong  flaming  from  the  ethereal  sky, 

With  hideous  ruin  and  combustion,  down 

To  bottomless  perdition  ;  there  to  dwell 

In  adamantine  chains  and  penal  fire, 

Who  durst  defy  th'  Omnipotent  to  arms.  Milton. 

Satan,  thy  power's  decline  is  nigh ; 

Like  lightning  flashing  through  the  sky, 

Thy  demons  hear  the  Heavenly  Word, 

And  owning  Him  Creation's  Lord, 

Confess,  with  fierce  appalling  yell — 

Emmanuel  deigns  on  earth  to  dwell.         Shepherd. 

How  sad  our  state  by  nature  is ! 

Our  sin  how  deep  it  stains ! 
And  Satan  binds  our  captive  minds 

Fast  in  his  slavish  chains. 

Watts. 


521 


SAVIOUR. 

I.  evkn  I,  am  the  Lord;  and  beside  me  there  is  do  Skuiow.  -Isaiah, 

xliii.  11. 

Thou  shalt  know  that  I  the  Lord  am  thy  Saviour  and  thy  Redeemer, 
the  mighty  One  of  Jacob.— Isaiah,  lx.  1(5. 

And  the  angel  said  unto  them,  fear  not:   for,  behold,  I  bring   you 
good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people. 

For  unto  you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David  a  Saviour,  which 
is  Christ  the  Lord. 

And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you:  Ye  shall  find  the  babe  wrapped 
in  swaddling  clothes,  lying  in  a  manger.— Luke.  ii.  10,  11.  12. 

For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven  ;  from  whence  also  we  look  for  the 
Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.— Philippians.  iii.  20. 

We  trust  in  the  living  God,  who  is  the  Saciour  of  all  men,  sp  cially 
of  those  that  believe.— I.  Timothy,  iv.  10. 

And  thou,  my  soul,  inspired  with  holy  flame, 
View  and  review  with  most  regardful  eye 

That  holy  cross  whence  thy  salvation  came, 
On  which  thy  Saviour  and  thy  sin  did  die ! 

For  in  that  sacred  object  is  much  pleasure, 

And  in  that  Saviour  is  my  life,  my  treasure. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 

O  unexampled  Love ! 
Love  nowhere  to  be  found  less  than  Divine ! 
Hail  son  of  God,  Saviour  of  men,  Thy  name 
Shall  be  the  copious  matter  of  my  song 
Henceforth,  and  never  shall  my  harp  Thy  praise 
Forget,  nor  from  Thy  Father's  praise  disjoin. 

Milton. 

O  may  I  pant  for  Thee  in  each  desire ! 

And  with  strong  Faith  foment  the  holy  fire ! 

Stretch  out  my  soul  in  Hope,  and  grasp  the  prize, 

Which  in  Eternity's  deep  bosom  lies ! 

At  the  great  day  of  recompense  behold, 

Devoid  of  fear,  the  fatal  book  unfold ! 

Then  wafted  upward  to  the  blissful  seat, 

From  age  to  age  my  graceful  song  repeat ; 

My  Light — my  Life — my  God — my  Saviour, — see, 

And  rival  angels  in  the  praise  of  Thee.  Young. 


522  saviour. 


O  Saviour  God!     O  Lamb  once  slain! 
At  thought  of  Thee,  Thy  love,  Thy  flowing  blood, 
All  thoughts  decay  ;  all  things  remembered  fade  ; 
All  hopes  return  ;  all  actions  done  by  men 
Or  angels  disappear,  absorbed  and  lost.  Pollok. 

Exalted  high  at  God's  right  hand 

And  Lord  of  all  below, 
Through  Him  is  pardoning  love  dispensed, 

And  boundless  blessings  flow. 

And  still  for  erring  guilty  man 

A  brother's  pity  flows  ; 
And  still  His  bleeding  heart  is  touched 

With  memory  of  our  woes. 

So  then,  my  Saviour,  and  my  King, 

Glad  homage  let  me  give  ; 
And  stand  prepared  like  Thee  to  die, 

With  Thee  that  T  may  live.  Mrs.  Barbauld. 

My  soul  shall  cry  to  Thee,  O  Lord ! 

To  Thee  supreme  incarnate  word ! 

My  rock  and  fortress,  shield  and  friend, 

Creator,  Saviour,  source,  and  end ! 

Yea,  Thou  wilt  hear  Thy  servant's  prayer, 

Though  death  and  darkness  speak  despair.        Bowdler. 

Dear  Saviour  !  draw  reluctant  hearts, 

To  Thee  let  sinners  fly, 
And  take  the  bliss  Thy  love  imparts, 

And  drink,  and  never  die  !  Steele. 

Saviour  !  and  dost  Thou  speak 
Such  gracious  words  to  me  P 
Dost  Thou  the  wanderer  seek 

Who  basely  fled  from  Thee? 
Wilt  Thou  my  footsteps  guide 
To  where  Thy  sheep  beside 
The  living  streams  abide  ? 
I  come,  I  come,  with  shame  and  grief  opprest, 
Thy  feet  embrace,  and  shelter  in  thy  breast. 

Pearson, 


SAYIOUR.  523 


A  Saviour  s  light  shall  break, 
A  ray  from  Jacob's  star  the  darkness  streak: 
To  Him  the  fairest  scenes  their  lustre  owe  : 
His  covenant  brightens  the  celestial  bow ; 
His  vast  benevolence  profusely  spreads 
The  yellow  harvests,  and  the  verdant  meads. 

John  Dutch. 

Great  God,  Thy  judgments  all  are  just  and  right ; 

Thou  art  all  pity,  and  to  anger  slow  ; 
But  I  have  done  such  evil  in  Thy  sight, 

That  mercy  now  with  justice  cannot  flow. 

Yes.  gracious  God,  my  sins  have  reached  such  height, 
As  leaves  no  choice  but  how  to  deal  the  blow ; 

Such  guilt  to  pardon  would  Thy  honour  blight, 
And  even  Thy  goodness  seals  my  final  woe. 

Consult  Thy  glory,  then  withhold  no  more, 
Let  fall  Thy  thunder,  and  my  tears  forget, 
Wage  war  for  war,  pour  Thy  avenging  flood ; 
The  justice  which  consumes  me  I  adore. 

But  where  to  strike,  O  Lord  ?  where  find  even  yet 
A  spot  not  covered  by  the  Saviours  blood  ? 

James  Qla*sford. 

'T  is  midnight ;  and  on  Olive's  brow 
The  star  is  dimmed  that  lately  shone ; 

'T  is  midnight,  in  the  garden,  now, 
The  suffering  Saviour  prays  alone. 

*T  is  midnight ;  and  from  all  removed, 
The  Saviour  wrestles  lone,  with  fears ; 

E'en  that  disciple  whom  He  loved 

Heeds  not  his  Master's  grief  and  tears. 

'T  is  midnight ;  and  for  others'  guilt 
The  Man  of  Sorrows  weep?  in  blood; 

Yet  He  that  hath  in  anguish  knelt, 
Is  not  forsaken  by  His  God. 

'T  is  midnight ;  and  from  ether  plains 

Is  borne  the  song  that  angels  know  ; 
Unheard  by  mortals  are  the  strains 

That  sweetly  soothe  the  Saviour  s  woe. 

W.  B.  Taj>pan. 


624  scoen. 


SCOKN. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly, 
nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the 
scornful. — Psalm  i.  1. 

The  scorner  is  an  abomination  to  men. — Proverbs,  xxiv.  9. 

The  scorner  is  consumed,  and  all  that  watch  for  iniquity  are  cut 
off. — Isaiah,  xxix.  20. 

Blessed  is  the  man  who  hath  not  walked  astray 

In  counsel  of  the  wicked  ;  and  i'  the  way 

Of  sinners  hath  not  stood,  and  in  the  seat 

Of  scorners  hath  not  sat.  Milton. 


Thrice  happy  he,  who  shuns  the  way 
That  leads  ungodly  men  astray  ; 
Who  fears  to  stand  where  sinners  meet, 
Nor  with  the  scorner  takes  his  seat. 

The  law  of  God  is  his  delight ; 

That  cloud  by  day,  that  fire  by  night, 

Shall  be  his  comfort  in  distress, 

And  guide  him  through  the  wilderness. 

J.  Montgomery. 

I  may  not  scorn  the  meanest  thing 

That  on  the  earth  doth  crawl ; 
The  slave  who  dares  not  burst  his  chain, 

The  tyrant  in  his  hall. 

The  vile  oppressor,  who  hath  made 

The  widowed  mother  mourn, 
Though  worthless,  he  before  me  stand — 

I  cannot,  dare  not  scorn. 

The  darkest  night  that  shrouds  the  sky, 

Of  beauty  hath  a  share ; 
The  blackest  heart  hath  signs  to  tell 

That  God  still  lingers  there. 

I  pity  all  that  evil  are — 

I  pity,  and  I  mourn ; 
But  the  Supreme  hath  fashioned  all, 

And,  oh !  I  dare  not  scorn. 

Robert  Nicol. 


sea.  525 

SEA. 

THE  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  great  King  above  all  gods. 

The  sea  is  His,  and  He  made  it :  and  His  hands  formed  the  dry 
land.— Psalm  xcv. 

They  that   go  down  to  the   sea  in  ships,  that  do  business  in  great 

water- : 

M  see  the  works  of   the  Lord,  and  His  wonders    in  the  deep. — 
Psalm  cvii.  23,  24. 

And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in  it.— Revelation,  xx.  13. 

And  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  new  earth  :  for  the  first  heaven  and 
the  first  earth  were  passed  away :  and  there  was  no  more  sea. — 
Revelation,  xxi.  1. 

Sea  ! — of  Alinightiness  itself  the  immense 
And  glorious  mirror! — how  thy  azure  face 

Renews  the  heavens  in  their  magnificence ! 

What  awful  grandeur  rounds  thy  heavy  space : 

Thy  surge  two  worlds  eternal-warring  sweeps, 

And  God's  throne  rests  on  thy  majestic  deeps. 

Chenedolle. 

Mysterious  deep,  farewell! 
I  turn  from  thy  companionship,  but  lo, 
Thy  voice  doth  follow  me.     'Mid  lonely  bower. 
Or  twilight  dream,  or  wakeful  couch,  f  hear 
That  solemn  and  reverberated  hymn 
From  thy  deep  organ,  which  doth  speak  God's  praise 
In  thunder,  night  and  day.     Still  by  my  side, 
Even  as  a  dim-seen  spirit,  deign  to  walk. 
Prompter  of  holy  thought,  and  type  of  Him, 
Sleepless,  immutable,  omnipotent.  Mrs.  Sigoumey. 

To  thee  the  love  of  woman  hath  gone  down  ; 

Dark  flow  thy  tides  o'er  manhood's  noble  head, 
O'er  youth's  bright  looks,  and  beauty's  flowery  crown! 

Yet  must  thou  hear  a  voice — Eestore  the  dead! 
Earth  shall  reclaim  her  precious  things  from  thee : — 
Eestore  the  dead,  thou  sea!  Mrs.  Hemans. 

How  humbling  to  one,  with  a  heart  and  a  soul. 
To  look  on  thy  greatness,  and  list  to  its  roll ; 
To  think  how  that  heart  in  cold  ashes  shall  be. 
While  the  voice  of  Eternity  rises  from  thee ! 


526  sea. 

But  when  thy  deep  surges  no  longer  shall  roll, 
And  the  firmament's  length  is  drawn  back  like  a  scroll, 
Then — then  shall  the  spirit  that  sighs  by  thee  now, 
Be  more    mighty,  more   lasting,  more    chainless  than 
thou!  John  A.  Shea. 

God  of  the  dark  and  heavy  deep  ! 

The  waves  lie  sleeping  on  the  sands, 
Till  the  fierce  trumpet  of  the  storm 

Hath  summoned  up  their  slumbering  bands  ; 
Then  the  white  sails  are  dashed  like  foam, 

Or  hurry,  trembling,  o'er  the  seas, 
Till,  calmed  by  Thee,  the  sinking  gale 
Serenely  breathes, — Depart  in  peace. 

W.  B.  O.  Peabody. 
In  every  object  here  I  see 
Something,  O  Lord,  that  leads  to  Thee  ; 
Firm  as  the  rock  Thy  promise  stands, 
Thy  mercies  countless  as  the  sands, 
Thy  love  a  sea  immensely  wide, 
Thy  grace  an  overflowing  tide. 

In  every  object  here  I  see 

Something,  my  heart,  that  points  to  thee  ; 

Hard  as  the  rocks  that  bound  the  strand, 

Unfruitful  as  the  barren  sand, 

Deep  and  deceitful  as  the  Ocean, 

And  like  the  tides  in  constant  motion. 

B.  Barton. 
The  prayer  is  said, 
And  the  last  rite  man  pays  to  man  is  paid ; 
The  plashing  water  marks  his  resting-place, 
And  folds  him  round,  in  one  long,  cold  embrace ; 
Bright  bubbles  for  a  moment  sparkle  o'er, 
Then  break,  to  be,  like  him,  beheld  no  more  ; 
Down,  countless  fathoms  down,  he  sinks  to  sleep, 
With  all  the  nameless  shapes  that  haunt  the  deep. 

Charles  Sjorague. 
Thou  paragon  of  elemental  powers, 
Mystery  of  waters — never  slumbering  sea  ! 
Impassioned  orator  with  lips  sublime, 
Whose  waves  are  arguments  which  prove  a  God ! 

R.  Montgomery. 


SEASONS.  527 


SEASONS. 

Ami  (Jod  said,  Let  there   be  lights  in   the  firmament  of  heaven  to 
divide  the  day  from  the   night;   and  let    them  be  for  signs,  and  for 
-.  and  for  days,  and  y<ars.— Genesis,  i.  14. 

While   the  earth   remaineth,  seed-time  and  harvest,  and  cold   and 
heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and   day  and  night,  shall  not  cease.— 
-.  viii.  22. 

_;veth  snow  like  wool:  He  soatteretb  the  hoar-frost  hke  ashes. 

Be  oasteth  forth  His  ice  hke  morsels  :  who  can  stand  before  His  cold? 

Be  sendetb  out  Hi>  word,  and  melteth  them  :  He  causeth  His  wind 
to  blow,  and  the  waters  flow. — Psalm  cxlvii.  16,  17,  18. 

He  changeth  the  times  and  the  seasons. — Daniel,  ii.  21. 

The  earth  which  drinketh  in  the  rain  that  cometh  oft  upon  it,  and 
•  ,  forth  herbs  meet  for  them  by  whom  it  is  dressed,  receireth 
blessing  from  God.- -Hebrews,  vi.  7. 


These,  as  they  change,  Almighty  Father,  these 
Are  but  the  varied  God.     The  rolling  year 
Is  full  of  Thee.     Forth  in  the  pleasing  Spring 
Thy  beauty  walks,  Thy  tenderness  and  love. 
Wide  flush  the  fields  ;  the  softening  air  is  balm ; 
Echo  the  mountains  round  ;  the  forest  smiles  ; 
And  every  sense,  and  every  heart  is  joy. 
Then  comes  Thy  glory  in  the  Summer  months, 
With  light  and  heat  refulgent.     Then  Thy  sun 
Shoots  full  perfection  through  the  swelling  year; 
And  oft  Thy  voice  in  dreadful  thunder  speaks ; 
A^d  oft  at  dawn,  deep  noon,  or  falling  eve, 
By  brooks  and  groves,  in  hollow  whispering  gales. 
Thy  bounty  shines  in  Autumn  unconfined, 
And  spreads  a  common  feast  for  all  that  live. 
In  Winter  awful  Thou!  with  clouds  and  storms 
Around  Thee  thrown,  tempest  o'er  tempest  rolled, 
Majestic  darkness  !  on  the  whirlwind's  wing. 
Hiding  sublime,  Thou  bid'st  the  world  adore, 
And  humblest  nature  with  Thy  northern  blast. 

Thomson. 

Truth  bids  me  look  on  men  as  Autumn  leaves ; 

And  all  they  bleed  for,  as  the  Summer's  dust, 

Driven  by  the  whirlwind.  Young 


528  SEASONS. 

What  prodigies  can  power  divine  perform 

More  grand  than  it  produces  year  by  year, 

And  all  in  sight  of  inattentive  man  ? 

Familiar  with  the  effect,  we  slight  the  cause, 

And  in  the  constancy  of  nature's  course, 

The  regular  return  of  genial  months, 

See  nought  to  wonder  at.  Cowper. 


When  Spring  unlocks  the  flowers,  to  paint  the  laughing 

soil; 
When  Summer's  balmy  showers  refresh   the  mower's 

toil; 
When  Winter  binds  in    frosty  chains  the  fallow  and 

the  flood, 
In  God  the  earth  rejoiceth  still,  and  owns  her  Maker 

good. 

The  birds  that  wake  the  morning,  and  those  that  love 

the  shade ; 
The  winds  that  sweep  the  mountain,  or  lull  the  drowsy 

glade ; 
The  sun  that   from  his  amber  bower  rejoiceth  on  his 

way, 
The  moon  and  stars  their  Maker's  name  in  silent  pomp 

display. 

Shall  man,  the  lord  of  nature,  expectant  of  the  sky — 
Shall  man,  alone  unthankful,  his  meed  of  praise  deny? 
No, — let  the  sun  forsake  its  course,  the  seasons  cease 

to  be, 
Thee,    Maker,   must    we    still  adore;    and,    Saviour, 

honour  Thee. 

The  flowers  of  spring  may  wither, — the  hope  of  Sum- 
mer fade, — 

The  Autumn  droop  in  Winter, — the  birds  forsake  the 
shade, — 

The  wind  be  lull'd, — the  sun  and  moon  forget  their 
old  decree, — 

But  we  in  nature's  latest  hour,  O  Lord !  will  cling  to 
Thee.  Bishop  Heber. 


SEASONS.  529 


Is  there  a  heart  that  beats  and  lives, 
To  which  no  joy  the  Spring-time  gives  ? 
Alas !  in  that  unfeeling  heart 
Xor  love  nor  kindliness  has  part ; 
Or  chilling  want,  or  pining  care 
Must  brood,  or  comfortless  despair. 
Blest,  who  without  profane  alloy 
Can  revel  in  that  blameless  joy  ! 
More  blest,  in  every  welcome  hour, 
If  Spring-time  smile,  or  winter  lower, 
Who  round  him  scatter'd  hears  or  sees 
What  still  the  excursive  sense  may  please ; 
Who  round  him  finds,  perchance  unsought, 
Fresh  matter  for  improving  thought ; 
And  more,  the  more  he  looks  abroad, 
Marks,  owns,  and  loves  the  present  God ! 

Bishop  Mant. 

When  youthful  Spring  around  us  breathes, 

Thy  spirit  warms  her  fragrant  sigh  ; 
And  every  flower  that  Summer  wreathes, 

Is  born  beneath  thy  kindling  eye  ; 
Where'er  we  turn  Thy  glories  shine, 
And  all  things  bright  and  fair  are  Thine. 

Thomas  Moore. 

Ah,  how  soon 
The  shades  of  twilight  follow  hazy  noon, 
Short'ning  the  busy  day  ! — day  that  slides  by 
Amidst  th'  unfinish'd  toils  of  husbandry ; 
Toils  still  each  morn  resumed  with  double  care, 
To  meet  the  icy  terrors  of  the  year; 
To  meet  the  threats  of  Boreas  undismay'd, 
And  Winter's  gathering  frowns  and  hoary  head. 

Then  welcome,  cold  ;  welcome,  ye  snowy  nights  ! 
Heaven  'midst  your  rage  shall  mingle  pure  delight-. 
And  confidence  of  hope  the  soul  sustain, 
While  devastation  sweeps  along  the  plain: 
Not  shall  the  child  of  poverty  despair, 
But  bless  the  Power  that  rules  the  changing  year; 
Assur'd — though  horrors  round  his  cottage  reign — 
That  Spring  will  come,  and  Nature  smile  again. 

Bloomjield. 
*  2m 


530  SEEING. 

SEEING— SIGHT. 

Thou  God  seest  me. — Genesis,  xyL  13. 

He  that  planted  the  ear,  shall  He  not  hear?  He  that  formed  tin- 
eye,  shall  He  not  see. — Psalm  xciv.  9. 

The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye:  if.  therefore,  thine  eye  be  single 
thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light. 

But  if  thine  eye  be  evil,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  darkness. 
If  therefore,  the  light  that  is  in  thee  be  darkness,  how  great  is  that 
darkness! — Matthew,  vi.  "22.  23. 

Fiest  the  two  eyes  that  have  the  seeing  power, 
Stand  as  one  watchman,  spy,  or  sentinel, 

Being  placed  aloft  within  the  head's  high  tower ; 
And  though  both  see,  yet  both  but  one  thing  tell. 

These  mirrors  take  into  their  little  space 

The  forms  of  moon,  and  sun,  and  every  star, 

Of  every  body,  and  of  every  place, 
Which  with  the  wide  world's  arms  embraced  are : 

Yet  their  best  objects,  and  their  noblest  use. 

Hereafter,  in  another  world,  will  be  ; 
When  God  in  them  shall  heavenly  light  infuse, 

That  face  to  face  they  may  their  Maker  see, 

Here  are  they  guides,  which  do  the  body  lead, 
Which  else  would  stumble  in  eternal  night ; 

Here  in  this  world  they  do  most  knowledge  read, 
And  are  the  casements  which  admit  most  light. 

Sir  Juhn  Davies. 

Though  all  the  doors  are  sure,  and  all  our  servants 
As  sure  bound  with  their  sleeps ;  yet  there  is  One 
That  wakes  above,  whose  eye  no  sleep  can  bind; 
He  sees  through  doors,  and  darkness,  and  our  thoughts  : 
And,  therefore,  as  we  should  avoid  with  fear. 
To  think  ourselves  amiss  before  His  search ; 
So  should  we  be  as  curious  to  shun 
All  cause  that  others  think  not  ill  of  us. 

George  Chapman. 

God  nought  foresees,  but  sees :  for  to  His  eyes 
Nought  is  to  come,  or  past :  nor  are  you  vile 
Because  that  Heaven  foresees,  for  God,  not  we, 
Sees  as  things  are ;  things  are  not  as  we  see. 

John  Marston. 


531 


SEEKING. 

O  GOD  thou  art  my  God;  early  will  1  see*  thee.— Psalm  lxiii.  1. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  rail   ye  upon   him  while 
he  is  near.— Isaiah,  lv.  6. 

It  is  time  to  week  the  Lord,  till   he  come  and   rain    righteousness 
■pon  you.— Hosea,  x.  13. 

Seek  and  ye  shall  find.— Matthew,  vii.  7. 

We'll  seek  Thy  face  at  early  dawn 

When  clouds  and  darkness  veil  the  sky, 

Upon  the  rising  mist  of  morn, 
Confess  our  errors  in  a  sigh, 

And  the  first  beam  that  shines  above 

Shall  glow  with  Thy  forgiving  love. 

Then  will  the  clouds  that  linger  oft 

About  the  region  of  the  br  i  >t. 
Like  those  that  faint  in  light  aloft, 

Flee  far  away  and  give  us  rest  ; 
While  every  darksome  grief  shall  be 
Dispelled  by  glory  shed  from  Thee. 

Like  happy  bees,  O  !  let  us  roam, 

Extracting  joy  from  all  around. 
And  winging  towards  our  heavenly  home, 

Rise  up  with  pure  devotion  crowned; 
And  Thee,  great  King  of  Glory,  meet, 
As  tuneful  larks  the  sun  would  greet. 

Give  us  the  faith  to  feel  and  know 

That  Thou  art  mirrored  full  and  true 
Within  the  breast,  as  Thou  dost  show 

Thy  sun  amid  a  drop  of  dew. 
And  thus  from  sleep  Thy  saints  upraise, 
To  seek  Thy  face  in  prayer  and  praise. 

W.  Martin. 

Lord,  we  come  before  Thee  now, 

At  Thy  feet  we  humbly  bow ; 

O,  do  not  our  suit  disdain  : 

Shall  we  seek  Thee  Lord  in  vain  ? 

In  Thy  own  appointed  way. 

Now  we  seek  Thee,  here  we  stay  ; 

Lord,  from  hence  we  would  not  go, 

Till  a  blessing  Thou  bestow.  Hammond. 


532  SEPULCHRE. 


SEPULCHRE— TOMB. 

AND  when  Joseph  had  taken  the  body,  he  wrapped  it  in  a  clean 
linen  cloth. 

And  laid  it  in  his  own  new  tomb,  which  he  had  hewn  out  in  the 
rock :  and  he  rolled  a  great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre,  and 
departed. — Matthew,  xxvii.  59,  60. 

In  the  end  of  the  sabbath,  as  it  began  to  dawn  toward  the  first 
day  of  the  week,  came  Mary  Magdalene  and  the  other  Mary  to  see 
the  sepulchre. — Matthew,  xxviii.  1. 

And  entering  into  the  sepulchre,  they  saw  a  young  man  sitting  on 
the  right  side. 

And  he  saith  unto  them.  Be  not  affrighted :  Ye  seek  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  which  was  crucified:  He  is  risen.— Mark,  xvi.  5,  6. 

How  sweet,  in  the  musing  of  faith  to  repair 

To  the  garden  where  Mary  delighted  to  rove  ; 
To  sit  by  the  tomb  where  she  breathed  her  fond  prayer, 

And  paid  her  sad  tribute  of  sorrow  and  love ; 
To  see  the  bright  beam  which  disperses  her  fear, 

As  the  Lord  of  her  soul  breaks  the  bars  of  her  prison, 
And  the  voice  of  the  angel  salutes  her  glad  ear, — 

The  Lord  is  a  captive  no  more — "He  is  risen." 

Cunningham. 

I  saw  two  women  weeping  by  the  tomb 
Of  one  new  buried,  in  a  fair  green  place, 
Bower'd  w  ith  shrubs  ;  the  eye  retained  no  trace 

Of  aught  that  day  performed ;  but  the  faint  gloom 
Of  dying  day  was  spread  upon  the  sky. 

The  moon  was  broad  and  bright  above  the  wood ; 

The  distance  sounded  of  a  multitude, 
Music,  and  shout,  and  mingled  revelry. 

At  length  came  gleaming  through  the  thicket-shade 
Helmet  and  casque,  and  a  steel-armed  band 
Watched  round  the  sepulchre  in  solemn  stand. 

The  night-word  passed,  from  man  to  man  convey 'd; 
And  I  could  see  those  women  rise  and  go 
Under  the  dark  trees,  moving  sad  and  slow. 

Henry  A  If  or  d. 

Hark  from  the  tomb  a  doleful  sound, 

My  ears  attend  the  cry  ; 
Ye  living  men  come  view  the  ground, 

Where  you  must  shortly  lie.  )\'atts. 


SERVICE.  533 


SERVICE. 

As  for  me  and  my  house.  we  will  serve  the  Lord.— Joshua,  xxiv.  16. 

]   beseech    you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of   God,  that  ye 
present  your  bodies  a  living  >aerifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which 
;■  reasonable  service.  —  Romans,  xii.  1. 

inn.  be  obedient  to  them  that  are   your   masters  according  to 
the  flesh, 

Not  with  ejosermet  as  men-pleasersj  but  as  the  lervamtad  Christ, 
doing  the  wiil  of  God  from  the  heart.— Ephesians.  vi.  5,  6. 

Had  I  but  served  my  God  with  half  the  zeal 

I  served  my  king,  He  would  not,  in  mine  age, 

Have  left  me  naked  to  mine  enemies.  Shakspere. 

To  tell  you  truly  what  I  wish  to  be, 

And  never  would  be  other,  if  I  could, 
But  in  the  comfort  of  the  heaven's  decree 

In  soul  and  body  that  I  ever  should — 
Though  in  the  world,  not  to  the  world  to  live, 
But  to  my  God  my  service  wholly  give. 
This  would  I  be,  and  would  none  other  be, 

But  a  religious  servant  of  my  God  ; 
And  know  there  is  none  other  God  but  He, 

And  willingly  to  suffer  mercy's  rod ; 
Joy  in  His  grace,  and  live  but  in  His  love, 
And  seek  my  bliss  but  in  the  heaven  above. 
Thus  would  I  spend  in  service  of  my  God 

The  ling'ring  hours  of  these  few  days  of  mine, 
To  show  how  sin  and  death  are  overtrod 

But  by  the  virtue  of  the  power  divine ; 
Our  thoughts  but  vain,  our  substance  slime  and  dust, 
And  only  Christ  for  our  eternal  trust. 

Nicolas  Breton. 
Expect  not  more  from  servants  than  is  just; 
Reward  them  well,  if  they  observe  their  trust, 
Nor  them  with  cruelty,  or  pride  invade ; 
Since  God  and  nature  them  our  brothers  made. 

Denham. 
A  few  forsake  the  throng  ;  with  lifted  eyes, 
Ask  wealth  of  Heaven,  and  gain  a  real  prize — 
Truth,  wisdom,  grace,  and  peace  like  that  above, 
Sealed  with  His  signet  whom  they  serve  and  love. 

Cowper. 


534  SHADE. 


SHADE-SHADOW. 

WE  are  but  of  yesterday,  and  know  nothing,  because  our  days  upon 
earth  are  a  shadow. — Job,  viii.  9. 

He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of   the  Most  High  shall  abide 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.— Psalm  xci.  1. 

I  am  gone  like  the  shadow  when  it  declineth.— Psalm  cix.  23. 

The  Lord  is  thy  shade  upon  thy  right  hand. — Psalm  cxxi.  5. 

It  is  a  dial — which  points  out 

The  sunset  as  it  moves  about, 

And  shadows  out  in  lines  of  night 

The  subtle  stages  of  time's  flight. 

Till  all-obscuring  earth  hath  laid 

His  body  in  perpetual  shade.        Dr.  Henry  King. 

Alas !  the  idle  tale  of  man  is  found 

Depicted  in  the  dial's  moral  round ; 

With  Hope  Reflection  blinds  his  sacred  rajs 

To  gild  the  total  tablet  of  his  days ; 

Yet  still  the  sport  of  some  malignant  Power, 

He  knows  but  from  its  shade  the  present  hour. 

Wordsworth. 

Between  two  breaths,  what  crowded  mysteries  lie, — 
The  first  short  gasp,  the  last  and  long  drawn  sigh! 
Like  phantoms  painted  on  the  magic  slide, 
Forth  from  the  darkness  of  the  past  we  glide, 
As  living  shadows  for  a  moment  seen 
In  airy  pageant  on  the  eternal  screen, 
Traced  by  a  ray  from  one  unchanging  flame, 
Then  seek  the  dust  and  stillness,  whence  we  came. 

O.  W.  Holmes. 
This  shadow  on  the  dial's  face, 
That  steals,  from  day  to  day, 
With  slow,  unseen,  unceasing  pace, 

Moments,  and  months,  and  years  away; 
This  shadow,  which  in  every  clime, 

Since  light  and  motion  first  began, 
Hath  held  its  course  sublime: 
What  is  it?— Mortal  man! 
It  is  the  scythe  of  Time. 
A  shadow  only  to  the  eye, 
It  levels  all  beneath  the  sky.  Anon. 


SHEEP.  535 


SHEEP— SHEPHERD. 
The  Lord  is  my  theph  not  want. 

Hi   maketfa  m    I  >  lie  down  in  green  pastures:  he  leadeth  me  beside 

the  -till  waJ  wiii.  1.  2. 

All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astraj  ;    w    have  turned  every  one  to 
his  own  way.      Isaiah,  liii.  6. 

Thru  said  Jesus,  1  am  bhe  good  thepherd  and  know  my  sheep,  and 
am  known  of  mine. 

As  the  Father  knoweth  me.  even  so  know  1  the  Father :  and  1  lay 
down  my  life  for  I  I  fan,  \.  7.  11.  1">. 

'T  is  said,  that  God  is  a  consuming  tire, 
But  oh !  't  is  sure,  He  now  lays  by  his  ire  : 

He  thunders  out, 

With  trumpet's  shout, 
2sro  judgment  from  Mount  Sinai ;  but  a  still 
Soft  voice  of  love  and  free  good  will : 
He  that  appear'd  then  in  a  warlike  dress, 
Seeks  now  the  stray  sheep  in  the  wilderness. 

P.  Fletcher. 

Lamb  of  Jesus'  blood-bought  flock, 
Brought  again  from  sin  and  straying  ! 

Hear  the  Shepherd's  gentle  voice, 
'T  is  a  true  and  faithful  saying — 

•'Greater  love  how  can  there  be 

Than  to  yield  up  life  for  thee ! 

Bought  with  pang,  and  tear,  and  sigh, 

Turn  and  live  !  why  will  ye  die?" 

Bishop  Doane. 

And  dost  Thou,  Holy  Shepherd,  leave 

Thine  unprotected  flock  alone, 
Here  in  this  darksome  vale  to  grieve, 

While  Thou  ascend'st  Thy  glorious  throne  ? 

Oh,  where  can  they  their  hopes  now  turn, 

Who  never  lived  but  on  Thy  love  ? 
Where  rest  the  hearts  for  Thee  that  burn, 

When  Thou  art  lost  in  light  above  ? 

How  shall  those  eyes  now  find  repose 

That  turn  in  vain  Thy  smile  to  see  ? 
What  can  they  hear  save  mortal  woes, 

Who  lose  Thy  voice's  melody  ? 


536  SHEEP. 

And  who  shall  lay  his  tranquil  hand 

Upon  the  troubled  ocean's  might? 
Who  hush  the  winds  by  His  command  P 

Who  guide  us  through  this  starless  night? 

For  Thou  art  gone  ! — that  cloud  so  bright, 

That  bears  Thee  from  our  love  away, 
Springs  upwards  through  the  dazzling  light, 

And  leaves  us  here  to  weep  and  pray. 

From  the  Spanish  of  Luis  Ponce  de  Leon- 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare, 
And  feed  me  with  a  shepherd's-  care ; 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 
And  guard  me  with  a  watchful  eye  ; 
My  noonday  walks  He  shall  attend, 
And  all  my  midnight  hours  defend. 

When  in  the  sultry  glebe  I  faint, 
Or  on  the  thirsty  mountains  pant ; 
To  fertile  vales  and  dewy  meads 
My  weary  wandering  steps  He  leads; 
Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow. 

Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread. 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still ; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 

Though  in  a  bare  and  rugged  way, 
Through  devious  lonely  wilds  I  strajT, 
Thy  bounty  shall  my  wants  beguile, 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile, 
With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crown'd, 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

Addison. 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  no  want  shall  I  know, 
I  feed  in  green  pastures,  safe-folded  I  rest ; 

He  leadeth  my  soul  where  the  still  waters  flow, 

Restores  me  when  wandering,  redeems  when  opprest. 

J.  Montgomery. 


SHORTNESS.  537 


SHORTNESS. 

HOW  long,  Lord?  wilt  Thoa  bide  Thyself  for  ever?  shall  Thy   wrath 
burn  bke  fire? 

Remember  how  short  m\   time  la:  wherefore   hast    Thou   made   all 
men  in  vain.— Psalm  lxxxix.  AH,  47. 

Man's  life,  sir,  being 
So  short,  and  then  the  way  that  leads  unto 
The  knowledge  of  ourselves  so  long  and  tedious, 
Each  minute  should  be  precious. 

Beaumont  and  Fletcher. 

Busy,  curious,  thirsty  fly  ! 
Drink  with  me,  and  drink  as  I ! 
Freely  welcome  to  my  cup, 
Couldst  thou  sip  and  sip  it  up : 
Make  the  most  of  life  you  may ; 
Life  is  short  and  wears  away. 

Both  alike  are  mine  and  thine 

Hastening  quick  to  their  decline  ! 

Thine's  a  summer,  mine  no  more, 

Though  repeated  to  threescore  ! 

Threescore  summers,  when  they're  gone, 

Will  appear  as  short  as  one  !  Oldys. 

How  short,  how  narrow  is  the  span, 
How  few  the  years  allow'd  to  man  ; 
And  e'en  in  those  few  years  he  feels, 
And  groans,  beneath  a  thousand  ills. 

As  springs  the  flower  in  some  gay  mead, 
Then  sudden  hangs  its  drooping  head, 
So  does  our  boasted  streDgth  decay, 
And,  like  the  shadow,  flee  away. 

For  every  moment  that  we  breathe, 
We're  hast'ning  to  the  gates  of  Death! 
And  who  can  needful  help  afford, 
In  that  sad  hour,  but  Thou,  O  Lord? 

Conscious  of  guilt,  to  Thee  we  cry, 

And  raise  the  hand  and  lift  the  eye ; 

Yet  sure  our  sins  may  justly  move 

Thine  anger,  rather  than  Thy  love !         E.  Brown. 


538  SICKNESS. 

SICKNESS. 

AND  Jesus  went  about  all  Galilee,  healing  all  manner  of  sickness, 
and  all  manner  of  disease  among  the  people. —Matthew,  iv.  23. 

That  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  Esaias  the  prophet, 
saying,  Himself  took  our  infirmities,  and  bare  our  sicknesses. — Matthew, 
Tiii.  17. 

But  chiefly,  Thou, 
Whom  soft-eyed  pity  once  led  down  from  Heaven 
To  bleed  for  man,  to  teach  him  how  to  live, 
And  O,  still  harder  lesson,  how  to  die ; 
Disdain  not  Thou  to  smooth  the  restless  bed 
Of  sickness  and  of  pain.  Bishop  Porteus. 

When  sickness  to  my  fainting  soul 

Her  fearful  form  display'd, 
I  to  my  secret  chamber  stole, 

And  humbly  thus  I  pray'd. 

If  softened  by  the  impending  stroke, 

My  heart,  O  Lord,  will  yield, 
In  mercy  Thy  decree  revoke, 

And  let  my  wound  be  heal'd. 

But  if  from  memory's  tablet  soon 

Ingratitude  would  tear 
The  bounteous  giver,  and  the  boon, 

Oh,  hear  not  Thou  my  prayer. 

Bather  than  bear  that  blackest  stain 

Within  my  breast,  I'd  brave 
The  keenest  throes  of  restless  pain — 

The  terrors  of  the  grave. 

If  health's  unmerited  return 

Should  bless  my  future  days, 
Oh,  may  I  from  Thy  Spirit  learn 

A  daily  song  of  praise. 

But  should  I  shortly  hence  depart, 

Or,  lingering  suffer  still, 
May  that  blest  Spirit,  Lord,  impart 

Submission  to  Thy  will. 

Bishop  Hebcr. 


8ILKNCB.  539 


SILENCE. 

UNTO  Thee  will  I  cry,  O  Lord,  my  rock ;  be  not  silent  to  me :  lest 
if  Thou  be  silent  to  me,  I  beeome  like  them  that  go  down  to  the  pit. 
— Psalm  xxviii.  1. 

The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple :  let  all  the  earth  keep  silence 
before  Him. — Habakkuk,  ii.  20. 

Be  silent,  O  all  flesh,  before  the  Lord.— Zechariah.  ii.  13. 

The  silence,  often,  of  pure  innocence, 

Persuades  when  speaking  fails.  Shakspere. 

Sacred  silence  !  thou  that  art 

Floodgate  of  the  deeper  heart, 

Offspring  of  a  heavenly  kind  ; 

Frost  o'  the  mouth,  and  thaw  o*  the  mind, 

Admiration's  readiest  tongue, 

Leave  the  desert  shades,  among 

Reverend  hermits'  hallow'd  cells, 

Where  retired  devotion  dwells.  Flecknoe. 

In  silence  mend  what  ills  deform  thy  mind; 
But  all  thy  good  impart  to  all  thy  kind. 

John  Sterling. 
True  prayer  is  not  the  noisy  sound 

That  clamorous  lips  repeat, 
But  the  deep  silence  of  a  soul 

That  clasps  Jehovah's  feet.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 

When  some  beloved  voice,  that  was  to  you 
Both  sound  and  sweetness,  failed  suddenly, 
And  silence  against  which  you  dare  not  cry, 
Aches  round  you  like  a  strong  disease  and  new — 
What  hope,  what  help,  what  music  will  undo 
That  silence  to  your  sense. 

Elizabeth  Barrett  Browning, 

Ours  is  a  world  of  words  ;  Quiet  we  call 
'*  Silence,"  which  is  the  merest  word  of  all. 
All  nature  speaks,  and  ev'n  ideal  things 
Flap  shadowy  sounds  from  visionary  wings — 
But  ah!  not  so  when,  thus  in  realms  on  high, 
The  eternal  voice  of  God  is  passing  by, 
And  the  red  winds  are  withering  in  the  sky  ! 

E.  A.  Poe. 


540  sin. 


SIN. 

Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is  covered. 
— Psalm  xxxii.  1. 

I  will  declare  my  iniquity ;  I  will  be  sorry  for  my  sin. — Psalm 
xxxviii.  18. 

Hide  Thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  my  iniquities.— P-ahn 
li.  9. 

I  have  blotted  out,  as  a  thick  cloud,  thy  transgressions,  and,  as  a 
cloud,  thy  sins  :  return  unto  me ;  for  I  have  redeemed  thee. — Isaiah, 
xliv.  22. 

By  one  man  tin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin;  and  so 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned. — Romans,  v.  12. 

All  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  Himself  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

For  He  hath  made  Him  to  be  sm  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin;  that 
we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Him. — II.  Corinthians, 
v.  18,  21. 

Sin  ever  must 
Be  tortured  with  the  rack  of  his  own  frame  ; 
For  he  that  holds  no  faith,  shall  find  no  trust, 
But  sowing  wrong,  is  sure  to  reap  the  same. 


O,  how  unsufferable  is  the  weight 
Of  sin  !  how  miserable  is  their  state, 
The  silence  of  whose  secret  sin  conceals 
The  smart,  till  justice  to  revenge  appeals ! 

#  *  #  #  # 

Who  loves  to  sin,  in  hell  his  portion's  given ; 
Who  dies  to  sin  shall,  after,  live  in  heaven. 


Daniel. 


Quarles. 


'Tis  not  to  cry  God  mercy,  or  to  sit 

And  droop,  or  to  confess  that  thou  hast  failed: 

'Tis  to  bewail  the  sins  thou  didst  commit ; 

And  not  commit  those  sins  thou  hast  bewailed. 

He  that  bewails,  and  not  forsakes  them  too, 

Confesses  rather  what  he  means  to  do.  Quarles. 

That  sin  does  ten  times  aggravate  itself, 
That  is  committed  in  a  holy  place  ; 
An  evil  deed  done  by  authority, 
Is  sin  and  subornation;  deck  an  ape 
In  tissue,  and  the  beauty  of  the  robe 
Adds  but  the  greater  scorn  unto  the  beast ; 
The  poison  shows  worst  in  a  golden  cup ; 


8IN.  541 

Dark  night  seems  darker  by  the  lightning's  flash  ; 
Lilies  that  fester  smell  far  worse  then  weeds  ; 
And  every  glory  that  inclines  to  tin, 
The  same  is  treble  by  the  opposite. 

Old  Play.     (1597.) 

Much  have  we  sinned  to  our  shame, 

But  spare  us  who  our  sins  confess  ; 
And  for  the  glory  of  Thy  name, 

To  our  sick  souls  afford  redress.  Drummond. 

It  is  a  shame,  that  man,  that  has  the  seeds 

Of  virtue  in  him  springing  unto  glory, 

Should  make  his  soul  degenerate  with  sin, 

And  slave  to  luxury  ;  to  drown  his  spirits 

In  lees  of  sloth ;  to  yield  up  the  weak  day 

To  wine,  to  lust,  and  banquets.  Shackerly. 

Sin,  like  a  bee,  unto  thy  hive  may  bring 

A  little  honey,  but  expect  the  sting.  Watkyns. 

Woe  unto  those  who  countenance  a  sin, 
Siding  with  vice  that  it  may  credit  win, 
By  their  unhallowed  vote  ;  that  do  benight 
The  trutli  with  error,  putting  dark  for  light, 
And  light  for  dark ;  that  call  an  evil  good, 
And  would  by  vice  have  virtue  understood. 

Bishop  King. 
O,  the  dangerous  siege 
Sin  lays  about  us !    And  the  tyranny 
He  exercises,  when  he  hath  expunged : 
Like  to  the  horror  of  a  winter's  thunder, 
Mixed  with  a  gushing  storm,  that  suffers  nothing 
To  stir  abroad  on  earth  but  their  own  rages, 
Is  sin,  when  it  hath  gathered  head  above  us  : 
No  roof,  no  shelter  will  secure  us  so, 
But  he  will  drown  our  cheeks  in  fear  or  woe. 

Chapman. 
To  threats  the  stubborn  sinner  oft  is  hard, 
Wrapped  in  his  crimes,  against  the  storm  prepared  ; 
But  when  the  milder  beams  of  mercy  play, 
He  melts,  and  throws  his  cumbrous  cloak  away. 

Dryden. 


542  sin. 

For  he  that  but  conceives  a  crime  in  thought, 
Contracts  the  danger  of  an  actual  fault ; 
Then  what  must  he  expect,  that  still  proceeds 
To  finish  sin,  and  work  up  thoughts  in  deeds  ? 

Dry  den. 
What  if  the  sinner  s  magazines  are  stored 
With  the  rich  spoils  that  Ophir's  mines  afford  ? 
What  if  he  spends  his  happy  days  and  nights 
In  softest  joys,  and  undisturbed  delights? 
Where  is  his  hope  at  last,  when  God  sin  11  wrest 
His  trembling  soul  from  his  reluctant  breast  ? 

Blackmore. 

What  havoc  hast  thou  made,  foul  monster,  Sin  ! 

Greatest  and  first  of  ills!     The  fruitful  parent 

Of  woes  of  all  dimensions !     But  for  thee, 

Sorrow  had  never  been !  Blair. 

Lord  !  with  what  care  hast  Thou  begirt  us  round  ! 

Parents  first  season  us  ;  the  schoolmasters 
Deliver  us  to  laws  ;  they  send  us  bound 

To  rules  of  reason  ;  holy  messengers  : 
Pulpits  and  Sundays  ;  sorrow,  dogging  sin  ; 

Afflictions  sorted  ;  anguish  of  all  sizes  ; 
Fine  nets  and  stratagems  to  catch  us  in ; 

Bibles  laid  open  ;  millions  of  surprises  ; 
Blessings  beforehand  ;  ties  of  gratefulness  ; 

The  sound  of  glory  ringing  in  our  ears ; 
Without,  our  shame  ;  within,  our  consciences  ; 

Angels  and  Grace  ;  eternal  hopes  and  fears  ! 
Yet  all  these  fences  and  their  whole  array, 
One  cunning  bosom  sin  blows  quite  away. 

George  Herbert. 

As  the  fond  sheep  that  idly  strays, 
With  wanton  play,  through  devious  ways, 
Which  never  hits  the  road  of  home, 
O'er  wilds  of  danger  learns  to  roam, 
Till,  wearied  out  with  idle  fear, 
And  passing  there,  and  turning  here, 
He  will,  for  rest,  to  covert  run, 
And  meet  the  wolf  he  strove  to  shun : 
Thus  wretched  I,  through  wanton  will, 
Han  blind  and  headlong  on  in  ill. 


sin.  543 

'T  was  thus  from  sin  to  sin  I  flew, 

And  thus  I  might  have  perished  too  ; 

But  mercy  dropped  the  likeness  here. 

And  showed  and  saved  me  from  my  fear, 

"While  o'er  the  darkness  of  my  mind 

The  sacred  Spirit  purely  shined, 

And  marked  and  brightened  all  the  way 

Which  leads  to  everlasting  day  ; 

And  broke  the  thickening  clouds  of  sin, 

And  fixed  the  light  of  love  within.  Parnell. 

On  His  pale  brow  the  drop*  are  large  and  red 

As  victim's  blood  at  votive  altar  shed — 

His    hands    are    clasped,    His    eyes    are    raised    in 

prayer — 
Alas,  and  is  there  strife  He  cannot  bear, 

Who  calmed  the  tempest,  and  who  raised  the  dead? 
There  is  !  there  is  !  for  now  the  powers  of  hell 
Are  struggling  for  the  mastery — 'tis  the  hour 
When  death  exerts  his  last  permitted  power, 

When  the  dead  weight  of  sin,  since  Adam  fell, 

Is  visited  on  Him  who  deigned  to  dwell — 

A  man  with  men,  that  He  might  bear  the  stroke 
Of  wrath  divine,  and  break  the  captive's  yoke — 

But  O,  of  that  dread  strife,  what  words  can  tell? 

Those,  only  those  which  broke,  with  many  a  groan, 
From  His  full  heart — "O,  Father,  take  away 
The  cup  of  vengeance  I  must  drink  to-day — 

Yet,  Father,  not  My  will,  but  Thine,  be  done!" 

It  could  not  pass  away,  for  He  alone 

Was  mighty  to  endure  and  strong  to  save : 
Nor  would  Jehovah  leave  Him  in  the  grave, 

Nor  could  corruption  taint  His  Holy  One.  Dale. 


When  at  first  from  virtue's  path  we  stray, 
How  shrinks  the  feeble  heart  with  sad  dismay ! 
More  bold  at  length,  by  powerful  habit  led, 
Careless  and  sered,  the  dreary  wilds  we  tread ; 
Behold  the  gaping  gulf  of  sin  with  scorn, 
And  plunging  deep,  to  endless  death  are  borne. 

James  Scott. 


544 


SINAI. 


THB  Lord  came  from  Sinai,  and  rose  up  from  Seir  unto  them;  He 
shined  forth  from  Mount  Paran,  and  He  came  with  ten  thousands  of 
saints  :  from  His  right  hand  went  a  fiery  law. — Deuteronomy,  xxxiii.  2. 

The  mountains  melted  from  before  the  Lord,  even  that  Sinai  from 
before  the  Lord  God  of  Israel.— Judges,  v.  5. 

G-od  from  the  Blount  of  Sinai,  whose  grey  top 

Shall  tremble,  He  descending,  will  himself, 

In  thunder,  lightning,  and  loud  tempest's  sound, 

Ordain  them  laws  ;  part  such  as  appertain 

To  civil  justice,  part  religious  rites 

Of  sacrifice,  informing  them  by  types 

And  shadows,  of  that  destined  Seed  to  bruise 

The  serpent,  by  what  means  He  shall  achieve 

Mankind's  deliverance.     But  the  voice  of  God 

To  mortal  ear  is  dreadful !     They  beseech 

That  Moses  might  repeat  to  them  His  will, 

And  terror  cease.     He  grants  what  they  besought, 

Instructed  that  to  God  is  no  access 

Without  Mediator,  whose  high  office  now 

Moses  in  figure  bears,  to  introduce 

One  greater,  of  whose  day  he  shall  foretell.        Milton. 

The  mountain  rocked  round  Sinai's  trembling  sides  ; 
In  gloomy  spires  the  dreadful  smoke  arose  ; 
Angelic  trumpets  pierced  the  ethereal  vault ; 
Wide-echoing  thunder  rent  the  conscious  air; 
Fierce  lightning  shot  its  terrors  through  the  sky ; 
All  nature  spake,  and  with  convulsive  shock 
Gave  awful  proof  of  the  descending  God. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

Those  laws  which  from  Mount  Sinai 
Jehovah,  clothed  with  terrors,  while  thick  clouds 
And  darkness  wrapt  him  round,  pronounced,  in  sounds 
Which  chilled  the  hearts  of  those  who  heard,  and  froze 
Their  very  blood.     Beneath  His  awful  feet 
Earth  trembled,  and  the  lofty  mountain  shook  ; 
Hoarse  thunder  growled,  and  livid  lightnings  flashed, 
While  sounds  of  horror  and  distress  amid 
The  howling  wilderness  were  heard. 

William  Hodson. 


545 


SIXGING-SOXG. 

O  SIN'G  unto  the  Lord  a  new  sotvj:  sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord,  bless  his  name;  shew  forth  his  salration  from 
day.  —Psalm  xcvi.  1.  2. 

And  they  ring  the  .<»>/;/  of  Moses  t;i"  servant  of  God,  and  th< 
of  the  Land),  saying,  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  work-.  Lord 
Almighty.  -Revelation,  xv.  ;;. 

Who  is  the  Lord,  then  ?     Earth  to  me  hath  cried : 
He,  whose  soul  boundless  everywhere  is  spread ; 

Who  measures  the  Creation  with  a  stride ; 
He,  who  with  splendour  e'er  the  sun  hath  fed. 

He,  who  from  nothingness  all  matter  drew  ; 

He,  who  built  up  the  universe  on  nought ; 
He,  who  round  shoreless  seas  a  girdle  threw  ; 

He,  whose  sole  look  forth  light  from  darkness  brought . 

He,  who  no  heed  to  Time's  progression  gives  ; 

He,  who  draws  being  from  his  own  command ; 
Who,  in  the  future  as  the  present  lives ; 

And  recalls  years,  departed  from  his  hand. 

'T  is  He  ! — it  is  the  Lord!  Oh!  may  my  tongue, 
His  countless  glorious  names  to  man  repeat ; 

As  the  gold  lamp  before  His  altars  hung ; 

I'll  sing  to  Him,  while  holds  my  life  her  seat ! 

Rev.  W.  Pulling,  from  Lamartine. 

Thanks  be  to  God !  His  grace  has  shown 

How  sinful  man  on  earth 
^lay  join  the  songs  which  round  his  throne 

Give  endless  praises  birth: 
He  gave  His  Son  for  man  to  die ! 
He  sent  His  Spirit  from  on  high 

To  consummate  the  scheme: 
O  be  that  consummation  blest! 
And  let  Redemption  be  confest 

A  poet's  noblest  theme.  B.  Barton. 

"Worthy  the  Lamb,"  on  earth  we  sing 

"Who  died  our  souls  to  save." 
Henceforth,  O  Death  where  is  thy  stine  ? 

Thy  victory,  O  Grave?  J.  Montgomery. 

*  2n 


546 


SKY. 

STAUD  still,  and  consider  the  wondrous  works  of  God. 

Hast  thou  with  him  spread  out  the  sky,  which  is  strong,  and  as  a 
molten  looking-glass  ? — Job,  xxxvii.  14,  Y6. 

Drop  down,  ye  heavens,  from  above,   arid   let  the  skies  pour  down 
righteousness.— Isaiah,  xlv.  8. 

When  yonder  glorious  shy 
Lighted  with  million  lamps,  I  contemplate  ; 

And  turn  my  dazzled  eye 

To  this  vain  mortal  state, 
All  dim  and  visionary,  mean  and  desolate, 

A  mingled  joy  and  grief 
Fills  all  my  soul  with  dark  solicitude; 

I  find  a  short  relief 

In  tears,  whose  torrents  rude 
Roll  down  my  cheeks,  or  thoughts  which  then  intrude. 

Thou  bright,  sublime  abode ! 
Temple  of  light,  and  beauty's  fairest  shrine : 

My  soul !  a  spark  of  God, 

Aspiring  to  thy  seats  divine, 
Why,  why  is  it  condemned  in  this  dull  cell  to  pine  ? 

For  there,  and  there  alone, 
Are  peace,  and  joy,  and  never-ctying  love  ; 

There,  on  a  splendid  throne, 

'Midst  all  those  fires  above, 
In  glories  and  delights  which  never  wane  nor  move. 

Oh,  wondrous  blessedness ! 
Whose  shadowy  effluence  hope  o'er  time  can  fling ; 

Day  that  shall  never  cease, 

No  night  there  threatening. 
No  winter  there  to  chill  joy's  ever-during  spring. 

Ye  fields  of  changeless  green 
Covered  with  living  streams  and  fadeless  flowers, 

Thou  Paradise  serene, 

Eternal,  joyful  hours 
My  disembodied  soul  shall  welcome  in  thy  bowers. 
Luis  Ponce  de  Leon,  Spanish. 


SLANDER.  547 


SLANDER. 

FOR  I  have  heard  the  Blander  of  many  :  fear  was  on  every  side: 
while  they  took  counsel  together  against  me,  they  devised  to  take 
away  my  life.— Psalm  xxxL  LS. 

He  that  uttereth  a  slander,  \>  a  EooL     Proverbs,  \.  18. 

That  thou  art  blamed  shall  not  be  thy  defect; 

For  slander's  mark  was  ever  yet  the  lair ; 

So  thou  be  good,  slander  doth  but  approve 

Thy  worth  the  greater.  Skakspere. 

'T  is  slander, 
Whose  edge  is  sharper  than  the  sword ;  whose  tongue 
Out-venoms  all  the  worms  of  Nile ;  whose  breath 
Rides  on  the  posting  wind,  and  doth  belie 
All  corners  of  the  world ;  kings,  queens,  and  states, 
Maids,  matrons,  nay,  the  secrets  ot'  the  grave, 
The  viperous  slander  enters.  Skakspere. 

Slander  lives  upon  succession, 

For  ever  housed  when  once  it  gets  possession. 

Skakspere. 
Imperfect  mischief! 
Thou,  like  an  adder,  venomous  and  deaf, 
Hast  stung  the  traveller,  yet  hear'st 
Not  his  pursuing  voice.     E'en  when  thou  think'st 
To  hide,  the  rustling  leaves  and  bended  grass 
Confess  and  point  the  path  where  thou  hast  crept. 

Congreve. 
Forgot  by  those  who  in  the  grave  abide, 

And  as  a  broken  vessel  past  repair, 
Slandered  by  many,  fear  on  every  side, 
Who  counsel  take  and  would  my  life  ensnare. 

But  Lord,  my  hopes  on  Thee  are  fixed :  I  said 
Thou  art  my  God,  my  days  are  in  Thy  hand ; 

Against  my  furious  foes  oppose  thy  aid, 

And  those,  who  prosecute  my  soul,  withstand. 

Sandys. 

One  who  molests  a  harmless  neighbour's  peace, 

Insults  fall'n  worth  or  beauty  in  distress ; 

"Who  loves  a  lie,  lame  slander  heaps  about, 

Who  writes  a  libel,  or  who  copies  out.  Pope. 


548  SLAVERY. 


SLAVERY. 

Is  Israel  a  servant?  is  he  a  horne-born  slave?  why  is  he  spoiled?— 
Jeremiah,  ii.  14. 

Theee  is  no  flesh  in  man's  obdurate  heart, 
It  does  not  feel  for  man ;  the  natural  bond 
Of  brotherhood  is  severed,  as  the  flax 
That  falls  asunder  at  the  touch  of  fire. 
He  finds  his  fellow  guilty  of  a  skin 
Not  coloured  like  his  owd  ;  and  having  power 
T'  enforce  the  wrong,  for  such  a  worthy  cause, 
Dooms  and  devotes  him  as  a  lawful  prey. 

Thus  man  devotes  his  brother,  and  destroys  ; 
And  worse  than  all,  and  most  to  be  deplored, 
As  human  nature's  broadest,  foulest  blot, 
Chains  him,  and  tasks  him,  and  exacts  his  sweat 
With  stripes,  that  mercy,  with  a  bleeding  heart, 
Weeps,  when  she  sees  inflicted  on  a  beast. 
Then  what  is  man  ?  and  what  man  seeing  this, 
And  having  human  feelings,  does  not  blush, 
And  hang  his  head,  to  think  himself  a  man. 

Coivper. 
Though  cold  as  winter,  gloomy  as  the  grave, 
Stone  walls  a  Prisoner  make,  but  not  a  Slave. 
Shall  man  assume  a  property  in  man  ? 
Lay  on  the  moral  will  a  withering  ban  ? 
Shame  that  our  laws  at  distance  should  protect 
Enormities,  which  they  at  home  reject ! 
"Slaves  cannot  breathe  in  England" — a  proud  boast! 
And  yet  a  mockery !  if  from  coast  to  coast, 
Though  fettered  slave  be  none,  her  floors  and  soil 
Groan  underneath  a  weight  of  slavish  toil, 
Eor  the  poor  many,  measured  out  by  rules 
Fetched  with  cupidity  from  heartless  schools, 
That  to  an  Idol,  falsely  called  "the  wealth 
Of  Nations,"  sacrifice  a  People's  health, 
Body;  and  mind,  and  soul,  a  thirst  so  keen 
Is  ever  urging  on  the  vast  machine 
Of  sleepless  Labour,  'mid  whose  dizzy  wheels 
The  power  least  prized  is  that  which  thinks  and  feels. 

Wordsworth. 


SLAVERY.  549 


Man  seeks  for  gold  in  mines,  that  he  may  weave 
A  lasting  chain  for  his  own  slavery  ; 
In  fear  and  restless  care  that  he  may  live, 
He  toils  for  others,  who  must  ever  be 
The  joyless  thralls  of  his  captivity ; 
He  murders,  for  his  chief  delight 's  in  ruin  ; 
He  builds  the  altar,  that  its  idol's  fee 
May  be  his  very  blood ;  he  is  pursuing, 
O,  blind  and  willing  wretch !  his  own  obscure  undoing. 

Shelley. 

Lives  there  a  savage  ruder  than  the  slave  ? 
Cruel  as  death,  insatiate  as  the  grave, 
False  as  the  winds  that  round  his  vessel  blow, 
Remorseless  as  the  gulf  that  yawns  below, 
Is  he  who  toils  upon  the  wafting  flood 
A  Christian  broker  in  the  trade  of  blood ; 
Boist'rous  in  speech,  in  action  prompt  and  bold, 
He  buys,  he  sells — he  steals,  he  kills  for  gold. 

J.  Montgomery. 

Hast  thou  ever  asked  thyself 

What  it  is  to  be  a  slave  ? 
Bought  and  sold  for  sordid  pelf, 

From  the  cradle  to  the  grave. 

'T  is  to  know  thy  transient  powers 

E'en  of  muscle,  flesh,  and  bone, 
Cannot,  in  thy  happiest  hours, 

Be  considered  as  thine  own. 

But  thy  master's  goods  and  chattels, 

Lent  to  thee  for  little  more 
Than  to  fight  his  selfish  battles 

For  some  bits  of  shining  ore. 

'T  is  to  learn  thou  hast  a  heart 

Beating  in  that  bartered  frame 
Of  whose  ownership — no  part 

Thou  canst  challenge  but  in  name  ; 

For  the  curse  of  slavery  crushes 

Out  the  life-blood  from  its  core, 
And  expends  its  throbbing  gushes 

But  to  swell  another's  store. 


550  SLAVERY. 


God's  best  gift  from  heaven  above, 

Meant  to  make  a  heaven  on  earth, 
Hallowing,  humanizing  love  ! 

With  the  ties  which  thence  have  birth, 
These  can  never  be  his  lot, 

Who,  like  brutes,  is  bought  and  sold, 
Holding  such — as  having  not 

On  his  own  the  spider's  hold. 
'T  is  to  feel  e'en  worse  than  this, 

If  aught  worse  than  this  can  be, 
Thou  hast  shrined,  for  bale  or  bliss, 

An  immortal  soul  in  thee  ! 
But  that  this  undying  guest 

Shares  thy  body's  degradation, 
Until  slavery's  bonds  unblest, 

Check  each  kindling  aspiration. 
And  what  should  have  been  thy  light, 

Shining  e'en  beyond  the  grave, 
Turns  to  darkness  worse  than  night, 

Leaving  thee  a  hopeless  slave  I 
Such  is  Slavery  1     Couldst  thou  bear 

Its  vile  bondage  ?     Oh !  m.y  brother, 
How,  then,  canst  thou,  wilt  thou  dare 

To  inflict  it  on  another  ?  Bernard  Barton. 

Slave-m&vtl — 
Oh,  mart  of  blood ! — but  God  for  vengeance  cries, 
And  man  shall  shrink  when  slaves  in  judgment  rise  ; 
The  Power  that  moulds  the  lily's  snowy  form, 
Ordains  the  sunbeam,  and  propels  the  storm, 
Whose  boundless  presence  all  creation  fills, 
Adorns  the  valleys,  and  surmounts  the  hills, 
Designs  for  all,  and  yet  creates  alone, 
Shall  rise  at  last  to  vindicate  His  own ! 

J.  Burbidge. 

They  are  slaves  who  will  not  choose 

Hatred,  scoffing,  and  abuse, 

Rather  than  in  silence  shrink 

From  the  truth  they  needs  must  think ; 

They  are  slaves  who  dare  not  be 

In  the  right  with  two  or  three.  Anon. 


SLEEP.  551 


SLEEP. 

I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  tleep:  tor  Thou.  Lord,  only 
makest  me  dwell  in  safety.— PBalm  It. 

He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep.     PBalm  exxvii.  2. 

Come  sleep,  O  sleep,  the  certain  knot  peace, 
The  baiting-place  of  wit,  the  balm  of  woe, 

The  poor  man's  wealth,  the  prisoner's  release, 
Th'  indifferent  judge  between  the  high  and  low. 

Sir  Philip  Sidney. 

Sleep  that  knits  up  the  revelled  sleeve  of  care, 
The  death  of  each  day's  life,  sore  labour's  bath, 
Balm  of  hurt  minds,  great  nature's  second  course, 
Chief  nourisher  in  life's  feast.  Shakspere. 

Why  rather  sleep  liest  thou  in  smoky  cribs 

Upon  uneasy  pallets  stretching  thee, 

And  hushed  with  buzzing  night-flies  to  thy  slumber, 

Than  in  the  perfumed  chambers  of  the  great 

Under  the  canopies  of  costly  state, 

And  lulled  with  sounds  of  sweetest  melody  ? 

#  #  #  #  *   "         # 

Canst  thou,  O  partial  sleep!  give  thy  repose 

To  the  wet  seaboy  in  an  hour  so  rude ; 

And  in  the  calmest  and  most  stillest  night 

With  all  appliances  and  means  to  boot 

Deny  it  to  a  king  ?  Shakspere. 

Sleep  on,  my  love  !  in  thy  cold  bed 

Never  to  be  disquieted! 

My  last  'Good  night!' — thou  wilt  not  wake 

Till  I  thy  fate  shall  overtake — 

Till  age,  or  grief,  or  sickness,  must 

Marry  my  body  to  the  dust 

It  so  much  loves — and  fill  the  room 

My  heart  keeps  empty  in  thy  tomb. 

Stay  for  me  there !  I  will  not  fail 

To  meet  thee  in  that  hollow  vale  : 

And  think  not  much  of  my  delay, 

I  am  already  on  the  way, 

And  follow  thee  with  all  the  speed 

Desire  can  make,  or  sorrows  breed. 


552 


SLEEP. 


Each  minute  is  a  short  degree, 

And  every  hour  a  step  towards  thee. 

At  night  when  I  betake  to  rest, 

Next  morn  I  rise  nearer  my  West 

Of  life,  almost  by  eight  hours'  sail, 

Than  when  sleep  breath'd  his  dropsy  gale. 

Bishop  King. 
How  blessed  was  th  at  sleep 
The  sinless  Saviour  knew  ! 
In  vain  the  storm-winds  blew, 
Till  He  awoke  to  others'  woes, 
And  hushed  the  billows  to  repose. 

How  beautiful  is  sleep  ! 
The  sleep  that  christians  know  : 
Ye  mourners !  cease  your  woe. 
While  soft  upon  his  Saviour's  breast, 
The  righteous  sinks  to  endless  rest. 

Mrs.  M'  Cartee. 
Good  night ! 
Slumber  till  the  morning  light ! 
Slumber  till  the  dawn  of  day 
Brings  its  troubles  with  its  ray ! 
Sleep  without  or  fear  or  fright! 
Our  Father  wakes  !     Good  night !  Korner. 

Sleep  sweetly,  tender  heart,  in  peace ! 

Sleep,  holy  spirit,  blessed  soul, 
While  the  stars  burn,  the  moons  increase, 

And  the  great  ages  onward  roll. 
Sleep  till  the  end,  true  soul  and  sweet, 

Nothing  comes^to  thee  new  or  strange. 
Sleep,  full  of  rest  from  head  to  feet ; 

Lie  still,  dry  dust,  secure  of  change. 

Tennyson. 
O  Thou,  who  in  the  garden's  shade 

Didst  wake  Thy  weary  ones  again, 
Who  slumbered  at  that  fearful  hour ; 

Forgetful  of  Thy  pain; 
Bend  o'er  us  now,  as  over  them,     * 

And  set  our  sleep-bound  spirits  free ; 
Nor  leave  us  slumbering  in  the  watch 

Our  souls  should  keep  with  Thee ! 

J.  G.  Whit  tier- 


SLOTH.  553 


SLOTH. 

THE  hand  of  the  diligent  shall  bear  rule  :  but  the  slothful  shall  be 
under  tribute. — Proverbs,  xii.  '24. 

Slothful ness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep;  and  an  idle  soul  shall  suffer 
hunger.— Proverbs,  xix.  15. 

Be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience 
inherit  the  promises.— Hebrews,  vi.  12. 

He  that  outlives  Nestor,  and  appears 
To  have  passed  the  date  of  grey  Methusalem's  years, 
If  he  his  life  to  sloth  and  sin  doth  give, 
I  say  he  only  was,  he  did  not  live. 

Thomas  Randolph. 

Two  principles  from  the  beginning  strove 
In  human  nature,  still  dividing  man, — 
Sloth  and  activity  ;  the  lust  of  praise, 
And  indolence  that  rather  wished  to  sleep. 

Sloth  lay  till  mid-day,  turning  on  his  couch 
Like  ponderous  door  upon  its  weary  hinge, 
And  having  rolled  him  out  with  much  ado, 
And  many  a  dismal  sigh,  and  vain  attempt, 
He  sauntered  out,  accoutred  carelessly, — 
With  half-oped,  misty,  unobservant  eye, 
Somniferous,  that  weighed  the  object  down 
On  which  its  burden  hung, — an  hour  or  two, 
Then  with  a  groan  retired  to  rest  again. 
The  one,  whatever  deed  had  been  achieved. 
Thought  it  too  little,  and  too  small  the  praise  : 
The  other  tried  to  think,  for  thinking  so 
Answered  his  purpose  best,  that  what  of  great 
Mankind  could  do  had  been  already  done  ; 
And  therefore  laid  him  calmly  down  to  sleep. 

Polloh. 

Why  in  sloth  thy  days  consume  ? 

Why  anticipate  the  tomb  ? 

Wasting  thus  thy  youthful  prime, 

Slumbering  before  the  time  ? 

Sluggard  up  !  there's  work  to  do, 
Let  not  sloth  thy  soul  ensnare  ; 

Only  the  reward  is  due 

Unto  those  the  toil  who  share.  Eg  one. 


554  SNARE. 


SNARE. 

Thr  proud  have  hid  a  snare  for  me,  and  cords;  they  have  spread  a 
net  b.v  the  wayside;  they  have  set  gins  for  me.— Psalm  cxl.  5. 

The  law  of  the  wise  is  a  fountain  of  life,  to  depart  from  the  snares 
of  death.— Proverbs,  xiii.  14. 

Make  no   friendship  with  an  angry  man ;   and  with  a  furious  man 
thou  shalt  not  go : 

Lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a  snare  to  thy  soul.— Proverbs, 
xxii.  24,  25. 

Warn  all  creatures  from  thee 
Henceforth,  lest  that  too  heavenly  form  pretended 
To  hellish  falsehood  snare  them.  Milton. 

In  the  embattled  plain 
Though  Death  exults  and  claps  his  raven  wings, 
Yet  reigns  he  not,  even  there,  so  absolute, 
So  merciless,  as  in  yon  frantic  scenes 
Of  midnight  revel  and  tumultuous  mirth, 
Where,  in  the  intoxicating  draught  concealed, 
Or  couched  beneath  the  glance  of  lawless  love, 
He  snares  the  simple  youth,  who,  nought  suspecting, 
Meant  to  be  blest — but  finds  himself  undone. 

Bishop    Porteus. 

Beset  with  snares  on  every  hand, 
In  life's  uncertain  path  I  stand ; 
Saviour  divine  !  diffuse  Thy  light 
To  guide  my  doubtful  footsteps  right. 

Doddridge. 
He  that  hath  made  his  refuge  God, 
Shall  find  a  most  secure  abode; 
Shall  walk  all  day  beneath  His  shade, 
And  there  at  night  shall  rest  his  head. 

Then  will  I  say,  "My  God,  Thy  pow'r 
Shall  be  my  fortress  and  my  tow'r : 
I,  that  am  form'd  of  feeble  dust, 
Make  Thine  almighty  arm  my  trust." 

Thrice  happy  man !  thy  Maker's  care 

Shall  keep  thee  from  the  fowler's  snare  ; 

Satan,  the  fowler,  who  betrays 

Unguarded  souls  a  thousand  ways.  Watts. 


SOLDIEES.  ~>55 


SOLDIERS. 

THOU  therefore  endure  hardness,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Clni-t. 

No  man  that  warreth  entangleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of  this 
life ;  that  he  mav  please  him  who  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a  loUHer. 
—II.  Timothy,  ii.  3.  4. 

Thy  life's  a  warfare,  thou  a  soldier  art, 
Satan's  thy  foeman,  and  a  faithful  heart 
Thy  two-edged  weapon,  patience  is  thy  shield, 
Heaven  is  thy  chieftain,  and  the  world  thy  field. 
To  be  afraid  to  die,  or  wish  for  death, 
Are  words  and  passions  of  despairing  breath  : 
Who  doth  the  first,  the  day  doth  faintly  yield ; 
And  who  the  second,  basely  flies  the  field. 

Francis   Quarles. 
Soldiers  of  Christ,  arise, 

And  put  your  armour  on, 
Strong  in  the  strength  which  God  supplies, 

Through  His  eternal  Son  ; 
Strong  in  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 
And  in  His  mighty  power, 
Who  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  trusts, 

Is  more  than  conqueror. 
Stand  then  in  His  great  might, 

With  all  His  strength  endued ; 
But  take,  to  arm  you  for  the  fight, 

The  Panoply  of  God  : 
That  having  all  things  done, 

And  all  your  conflicts  pass'd, 
Ye  may  o'ercome  though  Christ  alone, 

And  stand  entire  at  last.  Wesley. 

Soldier  rise  !  the  war  is  done  ; 

Lo !  the  hosts  of  hell  are  flying : 
'T  was  the  Lord  thy  battle  won  ; 

Jesus  vanquished  them  by  dying. 
Pass  the  stream — before  thee  lies 

All  the  conquered  land  of  glory. 
Hark  ! — what  songs  of  rapture  rise  ! 

These  proclaim  the  victor's  story. 
Soldier,  lay  thy  weapons  down, 
Quit  the  sword,  and  take  the  crown. 
Triumph  !  all  thy  foes  are  banished, 
Death  is  slain,  and  earth  has  vanished.         Phelan. 


556  SOLOMON. 


SOLOMON. 

In  Gibeon  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  in  a  dream  by  night :  and 
God  said,  Ask  what  I  shall  give  thee. 

And  Solomon  said,  Give  Thy  servant  an  understanding  heart  to  judge 
Thy  people,  that  I  may  discern  between  good  and  bad. 

And  the  speech  pleased  the  Lord,  that  Solomon  had  asked  this  thing. 
— L  Kings,  hi.  5,  6,  9,  10. 

And  God  said  to  Solomon,  Because  this  was  in  thine  heart,  and  thou 
hast  not  asked  riches,  wealth,  or  honour,  nor  the  life  of  thine  enemies, 
neither  yet  hast  asked  long  life  ;  but  hast  asked  wisdom  and  knowledge 
for  thyself,  that  thou  may  est  judge  my  people,  over  whom  I  have  made 
thee  king: 

Wisdom  and  knowledge  is  granted  unto  thee;  and  I  will  give  thee 
riches  and  wealth,  and  honour,  such  as  none  of  the  kings  have  had 
that  have  been  before  thee,  neither  shall  there  any  after  thee  have 
the  like.— II.  Chronicles,  i.  11,  12. 

A  eighteous  sceptre  in  Jerusalem 

Reigned  over  Israel ;  and  the  arts  of  peace 

In  higher  honour  placed  King  David's  son, 

Than  all  the  father's  fierce  and  weary  wars. 

Plenty  and  comfort  blessed  the  labouring  poor, 

And  splendour  graced  the  noble  and  the  wise : 

Silver  was  nothing  counted ;  massive  gold 

Adorned  the  temple  and  the  royal  board, 

And  richly-laden  ships,  from  distant  shores, 

Swelled  the  king's  tribute  and  the  people's  wealth. 

Worthier  than  gold,  than  jewels  far  more  rare, 

Was  the  king's  wisdom  ;  all  the  people  bowed 

Before  the  mighty  mind  of  Solomon, 

For  God  was  with  him.  H.  H.  Weld. 

In  wealth,  in  power,  tranquillity,  and  fame, 

His  mightier  son,  high-favoured  Solomon, 

Serene  in  strength,  and  dreadful  without  war, 

Reigns  jubilant :  in  knowledge  peerless  he, 

With  proverb,  meditation,  holy  song, 

Exalts  the  soul ;  while  o'er  his  laws  preside 

Truth  uncorrupt,  integrity  severe, 

By  keen  discernment  led.     With  lustrous  train 

See  Sheba's  queen,  to  prove  his  wisdom  come, 

And  kings  from  every  realm,  admiring,  hear 

His  varied  eloquence  ;  admiring,  view 

Magnificence  and  regal  state  profuse 

Beyond  compare.  Charles  Hoyle. 


son.  557 

SON. 

In*  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  Cod  toward  as,  because  that  God 
sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that  we  might  live  through 
him. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  bnt  that  he  loved  us.  and 
sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins. 

And  we  have  seen  and  do  testify  that  the  Father  sent  the  Son  to 
be  the  Saviour  of  the  world.— I.  John.  iv.  9.  10,  14. 

Of  all  creation,  first 
Begotten  Son,  divine  Similitude, 
In  whose  conspicuous  countenance,  without  cloud 
Made  visible,  the  Almighty  Father  shines, 
Whom  else  no  creature  can  behold  :  on  Thee 
Impressed,  the  effulgence  of  His  glory  bides ; 
Transfused  in  Thee  His  ample  spirit  rests. 
The  Heaven  of  heavens,  and  all  the  powers  therein 
By  Thee  created.  Milton. 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  hath  walked 
This  world  of  man ;  the  one  Almighty  sent 
His  everlasting  Son  to  wear  the  flesh, 
And  glorify  this  mortal  human  shape ; 
And  the  blind  eyes  unclosed  to  see  the  Lord, 
And  the  dumb  tongues  broke  out  in  songs  of  praise, 
And  the  grave  cast  forth  its  wondering  dead, 
And  trembling  devils  murmured  sullen  homage. 

H.  H.  Milman. 
I  am  ere  the  beginning.     Manifold 
Creation  of  the  Father's  will,  by  me 
Expressed,  in  its  begotten  order  rolled ; 
Image  express  of  Him  whom  none  may  see, 
My  glory  veils  and  shadows  for  behoof 
Of  all  His  creatures,  His  great  Deity ; 
Whereof  ye  are  partakers,  though  aloof 
It  dwells  from  you,  ye  in  its  light  doth  dwell, 
Sun  of  the  soul — a  pattern  and  a  proof. 
The  Father  sitteth  inaccessible 
To  eye  or  ear.     In  me  His  plenitude 
Abides — His  only  Son  for  whom  ye  will, 
Rays  of  that  Radiance  wherein  may  be  viewed 
His  glory  only.     I  His  brightness  am, 
His  word  in  whom  He  sole  is  understood. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 


558  soebow. 


SORROW. 

Many  sorrows  shall  be  to  the  wicked :  but  he  that  trusteth  in  the 
Lord,  mercy  shall  compass  him  about. — Psalm  xxxii.  10. 

Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter  :  for  by  the  sadness  of  the  countenauce 
the  heart  is  made  better.— Ecclesiastes,  vii.  3. 

For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  salvation  not  to  be  repented 
of  :  but  the  sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death.— II.  Corinthians,  vii.  10. 

Oh,  sacred  sorrow,  by  whom  hearts  are  tried 
Sent  not  to  punish  mortals,  but  to  guide, 
If  thou  art  mine  (and  who  shall  proudly  dare 
To  tell  his  Maker  he  has  had  his  share  ?) 
Still  let  me  feel  for  what  Thy  pangs  are  sent, 
And  be  my  guide,  and  not  my  punishment. 

From  the  Russian. 
I  suffer  now  for  what  hath  former  been, 
Sorrow  is  held  the  eldest  son  of  sin. 

John  Webster. 
Peace  was  theirs,  and  harmony  within, 
They  know  no  sorrow,  for  they  know  no  sin.       Whyte. 

Whate'er  thy  lot,  whoe'er  thou  be, 
Confess  thy  folly, — kiss  the  rod ; 
And  in  thy  chastening  sorrow,  see 
The  hand  of  God. 

A  bruised  reed  He  will  not  break — 

Afflictions  all  His  children  feel : 
He  wounds  them  for  His  mercy's,  sake — 
He  wounds  to  heal. 

James  Montgomery. 

With  boldness,  therefore,  at  the  throne 

Let  us  make  all  our  sorrows  known ; 

And  ask  the  aid  of  heavenly  power 

To  help  us  in  the  evil  hour.  Logan. 

If  affliction  grasps  thee  rudely 

And  presents  the  rack  and  cup, 
Drink  the  draught  and  brave  the  torture — 

Even  in  despair, — look  up  ! 
Still  look  up  !     For  One  there  liveth 

With  the  will  and  power  to  save — 
One  who  knows  each  human  sorroio, 

From  the  cradle  to  the  grave.         J.  L.  Chester. 


soul.  559 


SOUL. 

AM)  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the  ground,  and 
breathed  Into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life,  and  maa  became  a  living 
soul.    Genesis,  ii.  7. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul:  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy 
name. — Psalm  ciii.  1. 

I  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  seed  doth  wait,  and  in  his  word  do  I  hope. 
My  .-.  uJ  waiteth  tor  the  Lord  more  than  they  than  watch  for  the 
morning.— -Psalm  ozzx.  5,  6. 

For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and 
lose  his  own  soul?  or  what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul? 

—  Matthew,  xvi.  '_'»;. 

Though  life,  since  finite,  has  so  ill  excuse 

For  being  but  in  finite  objects  learned, 
Yet  sure  the  soul  was  made  for  little  use, 

Unless  it  be  in  infinites  concerned. 

Sir  William  Davenant. 

But  Thou  which  didst  man's  soul  of  nothing  make, 
And  when  to  nothing  it  was  fallen  again, 

To  make  it  new,  the  form  of  man  didst  take, 
And,  God  with  God,  becam'st  a  man  with  men : 

Thou  that  hast  fashioned  twice  this  soul  of  ours, 

So  that  she  is  by  double  title  thine ; 
Thou  only  know'st  her  nature  and  her  powers, 

Her  subtile  form  Thou  only  canst  define. 

We  that  acquaint  ourselves  with  every  zone, 
And  pass  the  tropics  and  behold  each  pole ; 

When  we  come  home  are  to  ourselves  unknown, 
And  unacquainted  still  with  our  own  soul. 


Poor  soul,  the  centre  of  my  sinful  earth, 
Fooled  by  those  rebel  powers  that  thee  array, 
Why  dost  thou  pine  within,  and  suffer  dearth, 
Painting  thy  outward  walls  so  costly  gay  ? 
Why  so  large  cost,  having  so  short  a  leese, 
Dost  thou  upon  thy  fading  mansion  spend? 
Shall  worms,  inheritors  of  this  excess, 
Eat  up  thy  charge  ?     Is  this  thy  body's  end  ? 
Then,  soul,  live  thou  upon  thy  servant's  loss, 
And  let  that  pine  to  aggravate  thy  store ; 
Buy  terms  divine  in  selling  hours  of  dross ; 


Davies. 


560  soul. 


Within  be  fed,  without  be  rich  no  more  ; 

So  shalt  thou  feed  on  death,  that  feeds  on  men  ; 

And,  death  once  dead,  there's  no  more  dying  then. 

Shakspere. 

The  soul  which  doth  with  God  unite, 
Those  gaieties  how  doth  she  slight, 

Which  o'er  opinion  sway  ! 
Like  sacred  virgin  wax,  which  shines 
On  altars  or  on  Martyrs'  shrines, 

How  doth  she  burn  away  ! 

How  violent  are  her  throes  till  she 
From  envious  earth  deliver'd  be, 

Which  doth  her  flight  restrain ! 
How  doth  she  doat  on  whips  and  racks, 
On  fires,  and  the  so  dreaded  axe, 

And  every  murdering  pain  ! 

How  soon  she  leaves  the  pride  of  wealth, 
The  flatteries  of  youth  and  health, 

And  fame's  more  precious  breath  ; 
And  every  guady  circumstance 
That  doth  the  pomp  of  life  advance 

At  the  approach  of  death.  W.  Habington. 

Sweet  day  !  so  cool,  so  calm,  so  bright ! 
The  bridal  of  the  earth  and  sky : 
The  dew  shall  weep  thy  fall  to-night, 
For  Thou  must  die. 

Sweet  rose  !  whose  hue,  angry  and  brave, 
Bids  the  rash  gazer  wipe  his  eye  : 
Thy  root  is  ever  in  the  grave, 

And  thou  must  die. 

Sweet  spring !  full  of  sweet  days  and  roses, 
A  box  where  sweets  compacted  lie  : 
My  music  shows  you  have  your  closes, 
And  all  must  die. 

Only  a  sweet  and  virtuous  soul, 

Like  season'd  timber  never  gives, 

But,  though  the  whole  world  turns  to  coal, 

Then  chiefly  lives.  Herbert. 


soul.  561 

The  soul  of  man  (let  man  in  homage  bow 
Who  names  his  soul)  a  native  of  the  skies ! 
High-born  and  free,  her  freedom  should  maintain, 
Unsold,  unmortgaged  for  earth's  little  bribes. 

Young. 
Dearly  pays  the  soul 
For  lodging  ill ;  too  dearly  rents  her  da}'.  Young. 

The  soul,  secure  in  her  existence,  smiles 

At  the  drawn  dagger,  and  defies  its  point : 

The  stars  shall  fade  away,  the  sun  himself 

Grow  dim  with  age,  and  nature  sink  in  years  : 

But  thou  shalt  flourish  in  immortal  youth, 

Unhurt  amidst  the  war  of  elements, 

The  wreck  of  matter,  and  the  crash  of  worlds ! 

Addison. 
For  from  the  birth 
Of  mortal  man,  the  sovereign  Maker  said, 
That  not  in  humble,  nor  in  brief  delight, 
Not  in  the  fading  echoes  of  renown, 
Power's  purple  robe,  nor  pleasure's  flowery  lap, 
The  Soul  should  find  enjoyment :  but  from  these 
Turning,  disdainful,  to  an  equal  good, 
Through  all  the  ascent  of  things  enlarge  her  view, 
Till  every  bound  at  length  should  disappear, 
And  infinite  perfection  close  the  scene.  A  ken  side. 

The  soul  on  earth  is  an  immortal  guest, 

Condemned  to  starve  at  an  unreal  feast : 

A  spark,  which  upwards  tends  by  nature's  force  ; 

A  stream,  diverted  from  its  parent  source; 

A  drop  dissevered  from  the  boundless  sea ; 

A  moment,  parted  from  eternity ; 

A  pilgrim  panting  for  the  rest  to  come ; 

An  exile,  anxious  for  his  native  home. 

Hannah  More. 
Since  soul  decays  not;  freed  from  earth, 

And  earthly  coils,  it  bursts  away ; 
Receiving  a  celestial  birth, 

And  spurning  off  its  bonds  of  clay, 
It  soars  and  seeks  another  sphere, 
And  blooms  through  heaven's  eternal  year. 

Moir. 
*  2o 


562  soul. 


O  Lady  !  we  receive  but  what  we  give, 
And  in  our  life  alone  does  nature  live  : 
Ours  is  her  wedding-garment,  ours  her  shroud ! 

And  would  we  aught  behold,  of  higher  worth 
Than  that  inanimate  cold  world  allowed 
To  the  poor  loveless  ever-anxious  crowd, 

Ah!  from  the  soul  itself  must  issue  forth, 
A  light,  a  glory,  a  fair  luminous  cloud 

Enveloping  the  earth, 
And  from  the  soul  itself  must  there  be  sent 

A  sweet  and  potent  voice,  of  its  own  birth, 
Of  all  sweet  sounds  the  life  and  element.         Coleridge. 

The  spirit  leaves  the  body's  wondrous  frame, 

That  frame  itself  a  world  of  strength  and  skill ; 
The  nobler  inmate  new  abodes  will  claim, 
In  every  change  to  Thee  aspiring  still. 
Although  from  darkness  born,  to  darkness  fled, 

"We  know  that  light  beyond  surrounds  the  whole  ; 
The  man  survives,  though  the  weird  corpse  be  dead, 
And  He  who  dooms  the  flesh,  redeems  the  soul. 

John  Sterling. 
Lord !  we  sit  and  cry  to  Thee, 

Like  the  blind  beside  the  way: 
Make  our  darkened  souls  to  see 

The  glory  of  Thy  perfect  day ! 
Lord !  rebuke  our  sullen  night, 
And  give  Thyself  unto  our  sight ! 

H.  H.  Milman. 
The  Soul ! — the  Soul! — with  its  eye  of  fire, 
Thus,  thus  shall  it  soar  when  its  foes  expire  ; 
It  shall  spread  its  wings  o'er  the  ills  that  pained, 
The  evils  that  shadowed,  the  sins  that  stained ; 
It  shall  dwell  where  no  rushing  cloud  hath  sway, 
And  the  pageants  of  earth  shall  have  melted  away. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 
That  mysterious  thing, 
Which  hath  no  limit  from  the  walls  of  sense, — 
No  chill  from  hoary  time, — with  pale  decay 
No  fellowship, — but  shall  stand  forth  unchanged, 
Unscorchcd  amid  the  resurrection  fires, 
To  bear  its  boundless  lot  of  good  or  ill. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 


563 


SOWING. 

TllKY  that  soir  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.     Psalm  cxxvi.  .r). 

In  the  morning  tow  thy  seed,  and  In  the  evening  withhold  not  thine 
hand  :  for  thou  knowest  not  wh  r,  either  this  or  that, 

or  whether  both  shall  be  alike  good.     Bcclesiastes,  xi.  6. 

Sow  in  the  morn  thy  seed, 

At  eve  hold  not  thine  hand ; 
To  doubt  and  fear  give  thou  no  heed, — 

Broad-cast  it  o'er  the  land. 

Beside  all  waters  sow, 

The  highway  furrows  stock  ; 
Drop  it  where  thorns  and  thistles  grow, 

Scatter  it  on  the  rock. 

The  good,  the  fruitful  ground, 

Expect  not  here  nor  there  ; 
O'er  hill  and  dale,  by  plots  't  is  found; 

Go  forth,  then,  everywhere. 

Thou  know'st  not  which  may  thrive, 

The  late  or  early  sown  ; 
Grace  keeps  the  precious  germs  alive, 

When  and  wherever  strown. 

And  duly  shall  appear, 

In  verdure,  beauty,  strength, 
The  tender  blade,  the  stalk,  the  ear, 

And  the  full  corn  at  length. 

Thou  canst  not  toil  in  vain  ; 

Cold,  heat,  and  moist,  and  dry, 
Shall  foster  and  mature  the  grain, 

For  garners  in  the  sky. 

Thence,  when  the  glorious  end, 

The  day  of  God  is  come, 
The  angel-reapers  shall  descend, 

And  heaven  cry,  "Harvest  home!" 

James  Montgomery. 

Sow  thy  seed,  and  reap  in  gladness ! 

Man  himself  is  all  a  seed; 
Hope  and  hardship,  joy  and  sadness, 

Slow  the  plant  to  ripeness  lead. 

John  Sterling. 


564  SPEECH. 


SPEECH. 

DAY    unto  day   uttereth    speech,   and    night    unto    night    sheweth 
knowledge. — Psalm  xix.  2. 

Let  not  an  evil  speaker  be  established  in  the  earth. — Psalm  exl.  11. 

Let  your  speech  be  alway  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt,  that  ye  may 
know  how  ye  ought  to  answer  every  man.— Colossians,  iv.  6. 

The  glittering  heaven's  refulgent  glow, 
And  sparkling  spheres  of  golden  light, 

Jehovah's  work  and  glory  show, 
By  burning  day  or  gentle  night. 

In  silence,  through  the  vast  profound, 
They  move  their  orbs  of  fire  on  high, 

Nor  speech,  nor  word,  nor  answering  sound, 
Is  heard  upon  the  tranquil  sky ; 

Yet  to  the  earth's  remotest  bar 

Their  burning  glory  all  is  known ; 
Their  living  light  has  sparkled  far, 

And  on  the  attentive  silence  shone. 

God  'mid  the  shining  legions,  rears 
A  tent  where  burns  the  radiant  sun ; 

As,  like  a  bridegroom  bright,  appears 
The  monarch,  on  his  course  begun. 

From  end  to  end  of  azure  heaven 

He  holds  his  fiery  path  along ; 
To  all,  his  circling  heat  is  given, 

His  radiance  flames  the  spheres  among. 

By  sunny  ray,  and  starry  throne, 

The  wonders  of  our  mighty  Lord 
To  man's  attentive  heart  are  known, 

Bright  as  the  promise  of  His  word. 

J.  W.  Eastbourne. 

First  think  ;  and  if  thy  thoughts  approve  thy  will, 
Then  speak  ;  and,  after,  that  thou  speak 'st,  fulfil. 

Thomas  Randolph. 

Speak  gently! — 'tis  a  little  thing 

Dropped  in  the  heart's  deep  well; 
The  good,  the  joy  that  it  may  bring 

Eternity  shall  tell.  Daniel  Bates. 


spirit.  565 


SPIRIT. 

If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  bow  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your 
children  :  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy 
Sjtirit  to  them  that  ask  Him.— Luke,  xi.  13. 

The  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom  the  Father  will  send 
in  my  name,  he  6hall  teach  you  all  things,— John,  xiv.  26. 

And  suddenly  there  came  a  sound  from  heaven  as  of  a  rushing 
mighty  wind,  and  it  filled  all  the  house  where  they  were  sitting. 

And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven  tongues  like  as  of  fire,  and 
it  sat  upon  each  of  them. 

And  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  began  to  speak 
with  other  tongues,  as  the  Spirit  gave  them  utterance.— Acts,  ii.  2,  3,  4. 

Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities  :  for  we  know  not 
what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought :  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh 
intercession  for  us.— Romans,  viii.  26. 

Your  body  is  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost.— I.  Corinthians,  vi.  19. 


Every  spirit  as  it  is  most  pure, 
And  hatk  in  it  the  more  of  heavenly  light, 
So  it  the  fairer  body  doth  procure 
To  habit  in,  and  is  more  fairly  dight 
With  cheerful  grace,  and  amiable  sight ; 
For  of  the  soul  the  body  form  doth  take, 
For  soul  is  form,  and  doth  the  body  make. 


Spetiser. 


Darkness  profound 
Covered  the  abyss  ;  but  on  the  watery  calm 
His  brooding  wings  the  Spirit  of  God  outspread, 
And  vital  virtue  infused,  and  vital  warmth, 
Throughout  the  fluid  mass.  Milton. 

Millions  of  spiritual  creatures  walk  the  earth, 
Unseen,  both  when  we  sleep  and  when  we  wake. 

Milton. 

Immortal  honour,  endless  fame 

Attend  the  Almighty  Father's  name ; 

The  Saviour  Son  be  glorified, 

Who  for  lost  man's  redemption  died ; 

And  equal  adoration  be, 

Eternal  Paraclete  !  to  Thee.  Dryden. 


566  spirit. 


That  He,  The  Third 

In  the  Eternal  Essence,  to  the  prayer 

Sincere  should  come,  should  come  as  soon  as  asked, 

Proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

To  give  Faith  and  Eepentance,  such  as  God 

Accepts.  Pollok. 

Our  G-od  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  who,  aright, 

Would  perform  the  pure  worship  He  loveth, 
In  the  heart's  holy  temple  will  seek  with  delight, 

That  spirit  the  Father  approveth. 

Bernard  Barton. 
Will  He  again  in  flames  of  glory 

From  His  celestial  hill  unfold 
His  Spirit,  to  confirm  the  story 

Of  the  inspired  Twelve  of  old  ? 
Else,  when  the  light  so  brightly  glowing, 

Each  dark  cloud  fringing  with  its  flame, 
Like  snow-white  mantle  lightly  flowing 

Around  the  Ethiop's  sable  frame  ? 

Forth  from  the  open  doors  of  Heaven, 

The  radiance  over  all  is  shed ; 
A  splendour  to  the  earth  is  given, 

Like  glory  round  a  saintly  head ! 
The  valleys  all,  the  mountain  spires, 

The  world  and  all  therein,  to-nighb 
Are  bathed  in  the  celestial  fire, 

As  once  the  Twelve  were  crowned  with  light ! 

To-morrow  is  the  celebration 

Of  the  out-flowing  Spirit's  might, 
And  all  the  earth,  in  preparation, 

Is  consecrated  in  this  light ! 
And,  like  yon  golden  caudles  burning 

Around  the  glorious  evening  skies, 
The  Spirit's  holy  fire  returning, 

From  every  Christian  heart  shall  rise  ! 

Gostich,from  the  German  of  Freiligrath. 

'T  is  a  solemn  place  : 
For  this  dark  purple  loam,  wherein  I  lie, 
And  this  green  mould,  the  mother  of  bright  flowers, 
Was  bone  and  sinew  once,  now  decomposed ; 


spirit.  567 


Perhaps  has  lived,  breathed,  walked,  as  proud  as  we, 

And  animate  with  all  the  faculties, 

And  finer  senses  of  the  human  soul ! 

And  now  what  are  they  ?     To  their  elements 

Each  has  returned,  dust  crumbled  back  to  dust, 

The  spirit  gone  to  God.         William  Thompson  Bacon . 

When  the  Spirit  of  our  God 

Came  dowu,  His  flock  to  find, 
A  voice  from  Heaven  was  heard  abroad — 

A  rushing,  mighty  wind. 

Nor  doth  the  outward  ear  alone 

At  that  high  warning  start ; 
Conscience  gives  back  th'  appalling  tone  ; 

'T  is  echoed  in  the  heart.  Keble. 


If  yet  the  Holy  Spirit  deigns  to  dwell 
In  earthly  domes,  'tis  not  in  those  defiled 
With  pride,  with  fraud,  with  rapine,  or  with  lust ; 
'Midst  the  rough  foliage  of  the  thorny  brake, 
The  clustering  grape  not  blushes,  and  the  fig 
Decks  not  the  prickly  thistle's  barren  stalk  ; 
Even  thus  shall  all  be  measured  by  their  fruits. 

Charles  Jenner. 

On  your  souls 
The  Spirit  of  God  shall  dart  with  inward  ray, 
And  heavenly  light  in  fullest  streams  be  poured. 
Then  shall  ye  to  remotest  peoples,  Jew 
Or  Gentile,  bear  Christ's  name,  and  through  the  world 
Proclaim  forgiveness  of  repented  sins. 

Thomas  Hughes. 

The  Spirit  of  God 
From  Heaven  descending,  dwells  in  domes  of  clay ; 
In  mode  far  passing  human  thought,  He  guides, 
Impels,  instructs  :  intense  pursuit  of  good 
And  cautious  flight  of  evil  He  suggests, 
But  in  such  gentle  murmurs,  that  to  know 
His  heavenly  voice,  we  must  have  done  His  will. 

John   Hey. 


568  STARS. 


STARS. 

AND  God  made  two  great  lights;  the  greater  light  to  rule  the  day, 
and  the  lesser  light  to  rule  the  night :  he  made  the  stars  also.— Genesis, 
i.  16. 

Where  wast  thou  when  the  morning  stars  sang  together?— Job, 
xxxviii.  4,  7. 

He  telleth  the  number  of  the  stars;  he  calleth  them  all  by  tlieir 
names. — Psalm  cxlvii.  4. 

Now  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  king,  behold,  there  came  wise  men  from  the  east  to  Jeru- 
salem. 

Saying,  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the  Jews  ?  for  we  have 
seen  his  star  in  the  east,  and  are  come  to  worship  him.— Matthew, 
ii.  1,  2. 

Confusion  heard  His  voice,  and  wild  uproar 
Stood  ruled,  stood  vast  infinitude  confined ; 
Till,  at  His  second  bidding,  darkness  fled, 
Light  shone,  and  order  from  disorder  sprung  : 
Swift  to  their  several  quarters  hasted  then 
The  cumbrous  elements,  Earth,  Flood,  Air,  Fire ; 
And  this  ethereal  quintessence  of  Heaven 
Flew  upward,  spirited  with  various  forms, 
That  rolled  orbicular,  and  turned  to  stars 
Numberless,  as  thou  seest,  and  how  they  move : 
Each  had  his  place  appointed,  each  his  course. 

Milton. 
At  His  birth,  a  star 
Unseen  before  in  Heaven,  proclaims  Him  come, 
And  guides  the  eastern  sages,  who  inquire 
His  place,  to  offer  incense,  myrrh,  and  gold, 
His  place  of  birth,  a  solemn  angel  tells 
To  simple  shepherds,  keeping  watch  by  night : 
They  gladly  thither  haste,  and  by  a  choir 
Of  squadroned  angels,  hear  His  carol  sung : 
A  Virgin  is  His  Mother,  but  His  Sire, 
The  Power  of  the  Most  High.  Milton. 

Child  of  the  earth  !  oh,  lift  thy  glance 
To  yon  bright  firmament's  expanse  ; 
The  glories  of  its  realm  explore, 
And  gaze,  and  wonder,  and  adore ! 
Doth  it  not  speak  to  every  sense, 
The  marvels  of  Omnipotence  ? 
Seest  thou  not  there  the  Almighty  name 
Inscribed  in  characters  of  flame  ? 


STARS.  569 


Count  o'er  those  lamps  of  quenchless  light, 

That  sparkle  through  the  shades  of  night ; 

Behold  them  ! — can  a  mortal  boast 

To  number  that  celestial  host  P 

Mark  well  each  little  star,  whose  rays 

In  distant  splendour  meet  thy  gaze  : 

Each  is  a  world  by  Him  sustain'd 

Who  from  eternity  hath  reign'd. 

Each,  kindled  not  for  earth  alone, 

Hath  circling  planets  of  its  own, 

And  beings  whose  existence  springs 

From  Him,  the  all-powerful  King  of  Kings. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 
Ye  stars  !  bright  legions  that  before  all  time, 
Camped  on  yon  plain  of  sapphire,  what  shall  tell 
Your  burning  myriads,  but  the  eye  of  Him, 
Who  bade  thro'  heaven  your  golden  chariots  wheel, 
Yet  who  earth-born  can  see  your  hosts,  nor  feel 
Immortal  impulses — Eternity  ? 
What  wonder  if  the  o'erwrought  soul  should  reel 
With  its  own  weight  of  thought,  and  the  wild  eye 
See  fate  within  your  tracks  of  sleepless  glory  lie  P 

For  ye  behold  the  Mightiest.     From  that  steep 
What  ages  have  ye  worshipped  round  your  King, 
Ye  heard  his  trumpet  sounded  o'er  the  deep 
Of  earth  : — ye  heard  the  morning  angels  sing. 
Upon  that  orb  now  o'er  me  quivering, 
The  gaze  of  Adam  fixed  from  Paradise  ? 
The  wanderers  of  the  deluge  saw  it  spring 
Above  the  mountain's  surge,  and  hailed  its  rise, 
Lighting  their  lonely  track  with  hope's  celestial  dyes. 

On  Calvary  shot  down  that  purple  eye, 
When,  but  the  soldier  and  the  sacrifice, 
All  were  departed. — Mount  of  Agony  ! 
But  Time's  broad  pinion,  ere  the  giant  dies, 
Shall  cloud  your  clime. — Ye  fruitage  of  the  skies, 
Your  vineyard  shall  be  shaken  !  From  your  urn, 
Censers  of  heaven,  no  more  shall  glory  rise 
Your  incense  to  the  throne  !    The  heavens  shall  burn  ! 
For  all  your  pomps  are  dust,  and  shall  to  dust  return. 

Croly. 


570  STABS. 

And  ye,  bright  sisters,  stars  my  dear  companions, 

Which  with  enamel  deck  Heaven's  azure  held, 

And  to  the  heavenly  lyre  your  steps  adapting, 

Knit  and  unknit  your  choruses  harmonious, 

Into  your  chain  celestial  introduced, 

Ye  shall  direct  mine  eyes  to  that  bright  desert, 

That  view  bewildering  labyrinths  of  fire  ; 

Your  beams  should  teach  me  how  to  praise  and  show 

Him  whom  ye  seek,  and  whom,  perhaps,  ye  see  ; 

And  merging  in  my  breast  his  trembling  brightness, 

I  should  perceive  in  him  all  ye  perceive. 

Rev.  W.  Pulling,  from  Lamartine. 

Ye  quenchless  stars  !  so  eloquently  bright, 
Untroubled  sentries  of  the  shadowy  night, 
While  half  the  world  is  lapp'd  in  downy  dreams, 
And  round  the  lattice  creep  your  midnight  beams, 
How  sweet  to  gaze  upon  your  placid  eyes, 
In  lambent  beauty  looking  from  the  skies. 

R.  Montgomery. 

Stars,  wherefore  do  ye  rise  ? 

To  light  thy  spirit  to  the  skie3.         J.  Montgomery. 

When  up  to  nightly  skies  we  gaze, 
Where  stars  pursue  their  endless  ways, 
We  think  we  see,  from  earth's  low  clod, 
The  wide  and  shining  home  of  God. 
'Tis  vain  to  dream  those  tracts  of  space, 
With  all  their  worlds,  approach  His  face  : 
One  glory  fills  each  wheeling  ball — 
One  love  has  shaped  and  moved  them  all. 
This  earth,  with  all  its  dust  and  tears, 
Is  no  less  His  than  yonder  spheres  ; 
And  rain-drops  weak,  and  grains  of  sand, 
Are  stamped  by  His  immediate  hand. 

John  Sterling. 

Yet  as  the  stars,  the  holy  stars  of  night, 
Shine  out  when  all  is  dark, 

So  would  I,  cheered  by  hopes  more  purely  bright, 

Tread  still  the  thorny  path,  whose  close  is  light ; 
If,  but  at  last,  the  tossed  and  weary  barque, 

Grains  the  sure  haven  of  her  final  rest.       Lucy  Hooper, 


STILLNESS.  571 


STILLNESS. 

Ajsd,  behold,  the  Lord  passed  by,  and  a  great  an!  strong  wind  rent 
the  mountains,  and  brake  in  pieces  Core  the  Lord;  but 

the  Lord  was  not  in  the  wind:  and  after  the  wind  an  earthquake; 

but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  earthquake  : 

And  after  the  earthquake  a  fin- :  but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  fire  ; 
and  after  the  fire  a  still  small  voice. —I.  Kind's,  xix.  11.  12. 

Stand  in  awe.  and  -in   not  :   commune  with  your  own  heart   upon 
your  bed,  and  be  still.—  Psalm  iv.  4. 

Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God.— Psalm  xlvi.  10. 


'T  is  stillness  now !     A  sudden  stay- 
Has  ckeck'd  the  wild  wind  on  its  way. 
As,  screaming  on  its  mother's  breast, 
At  once  the  infant  sinks  to  rest. 
And  now,  throughout  the  wood,  that  late 
Wav'd  bending  to  the  tempest's  weight, 
Nor  could  its  depths  an  echo  form, 
Save  to  the  wailing  of  the  storm ; 
Nor  bends  a  twig,  nor  breathes  a  breath  : 
Tis  silence,  like  the  calm  of  death. 
'T  would  seem  that  winter  had  foregone, 
By  wrong  unsurp'd,  his  stormy  throne, 
And  giv'n  the  rightful  sway  again 
To  mild  October's  placid  reign. 
Or  rather  He,  whose  boundless  force 
Directs  each  month's,  each  season's  course, 
Who  formed  creation's  works  of  old, 
And,  what  He  form'd,  hath  still  controll'd, 
Even  He  hath  said,  at  whose  high  will 
The  wind  or  swells  or  falls,  "Be  still  !  "         tfant. 

The  Almighty  King, 
Not  always  in  the  splendid  scene  of  pomp 
Tremendous,  on  the  sounding  tempest  rides, 
Or  sweeping  whirlwind  ;  nor  in  the  awful  peal 
Of  echoing  thunder  is  He  always  heard, 
Or  seen  in  lightning's  livid  flames ;  but  oft, 
When  every  turbid  element  is  hushed, 
In  the  still  voice  of  nature  stands  confest 
The  Lord  Omnipotent.  Samuel  Hayes. 


572  STORM. 


STORM. 

HE  commandeth,  and  raiseth  the  stormy  wind. 

He  maketh  the  storm  a  calm.— Psalm  cvii.  25,  29. 

Thou  shalt  be  visited  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts  with  thunder,  and  with 
earthquake,  and  great  noise,  with  storm  and  tempest. — Isaiah,  xxix.  6. 

The  storm  was  laid,  the  winds  retired, 

Obedient  to  Thy  wiU ; 
The  sea,  that  roared  at  Thy  command, 

At  Thy  command  was  still.  Addison. 

O  God !  have  mercy  in  this  dreadful  hour 

On  the  poor  mariner!  in  comfort  here 

Safe  shelter'd  as  I  am,  I  almost  fear 
The  blast  that  rages  with  resistless  power. 

What  were  it  now  to  toss  upon  the  waves — 
The  madden'd  waves,  and  know  no  succour  near; 
The  howling  of  the  storm  alone  to  hear, 

And  the  wild  sea  that  to  the  tempest  raves  ; 
To  gaze  amid  the  horrors  of  the  night, 
And  only  see  the  billows'  gleaming  light ; 

And  in  the  dread  of  death  to  think  of  her 
Who,  as  she  listens  sleepless  to  the  gale, 
Puts  up  a  silent  prayer  and  waxes  pale? 

O  God !  have  mercy  on  the  mariner !  Southey. 

A  thunder-storm  / — the  eloquence  of  heaven, 
When  every  cloud  is  from  its  slumber  riven, 
Who  hath  not  paused  beneath  its  hollow  groan, 
And  felt  Omnipotence  around  him  thrown  ? 
With  what  a  gloom  the  ush'ring  scene  appears ! 
The  leaves  all  fluttering  with  instinctive  fears, 
The  waters  curling  with  a  fellow  dread, 
A  breezeless  fervour  round  creation  spread, 
And,  last,  the  heavy  rain's  reluctant  shower, 
With  big  drops  patt'ring  on  the  tree  and  bower, 
While  wizard  shapes  the  low'ring  sky  deform, — 
All  mark  the  coming  of  a  thunder-storm. 

R.  Montgomery. 


STRANGER.  573 


STKANGER. 

I  AM  a  tttvmger  and  a  sojourner  with  you.— Genesis,  xxiii.  4. 

The  Lord  loveth  the  strangrr,  in  giving  him  food  and  raiment. 

Love  ye  therefore  the  ttranger:   for  ye  were  ttramgert  in  the  land 
of  Egypt.— Deuteronomy,  x.  18,  19. 

Do  no  wrong,  do  no  violence  to  the  stranger.   -Jeremiah,  xxii.  I. 

He  will  vouchsafe 
This  day  to  be  your  guest :  bring  forth,  and  pour 
Abundance,  fit  to  honour  and  receive 
The  heavenly  stranger.  Milton. 

The  stranger  s  heart !  Oh,  wound  it  not ! 

A  yearning  anguish  is  its  lot ; 

In  the  green  shadow  of  thy  tree, 

The  stranger  finds  no  rest  with  thee. 

Thou  think'st  the  vine's  low  rustling  leaves 

Are  music  round  the  household  eaves ; 

To  him  that  sound  hath  sorrow's  tone — 

The  stranger  s  heart  is  with  his  own. 

Thou  think'st  the  children's  laughing  play 

A  lovely  sight  at  fall  of  day  ; 

Then  are  the  stranger's  thoughts  opprest — 

A  mother's  voice  comes  o'er  his  breast. 

Thou  think'st  it  sweet  when  friend  to  friend 

Beneath  one  roof  in  prayer  may  blend ; 

Then  doth  the  stranger  s  eye  grow  dim — 

Far,  far  are  those  who  've  prayed  with  him. 

Thy  hearth,  thy  home,  thy  vintage  land — 

The  voices  of  thy  kindred  band; 

Oh  !  'midst  them  all  when  blest  thou  art, 

Deal  gently  "with  the  stranger  s  heart.      Mrs.  Hemans. 

Why  should  I  a  stranger  be 

In  my  Father's  dwelling, 
While  hill  and  river,  rock  and  tree, 

Of  His  love  are  telling  ? 
Always  heard,  their  simple  voice, 
Bidding  child-like  hearts  rejoice, 
Whispers  us  that  love  is  near. 
What  we  seek  in  yonder  sphere, 
Love  can  find  it  now,  and  here.  J.  Gostiek. 


574  STBEAM. 


STEEAM. 

THERE  is  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  shall  make  glad  the  city  of 
God,  the  holy  place  of  the  tabernacles  of  the  Most  High.— Psalm  xlvi.  4. 

He  brought  streams  also  out  of  the  rock,  and  caused  waters  to  run 
down  like  rivers. — Psalm  lxxviii.  Hi. 

In  the  wilderness  shall  waters  break  out,  and  streams  in  the  desert. 
— Isaiah,  xxxv.  6. 

Who  see  not  that  the  valleys  of  the  world 

Might  even  right  with  the  mountains  :  that  they  grow 

Green  and  lie  warmer ;  and  ever  peaceful  are 

When  clouds  spit  fire  at  hills,  and  burn  them  bare. 

Not  valley's  part,  but  we  should  imitate  streams 

That  run  below  the  valleys,  and  do  yield 

To  every  mole-hill ;  every  bank  embrace 

That  checks  their  currents ;  and  when  torrents  come, 

That  swell  and  raise  them  past  their  natural  height, 

How  mad  they  are  and  troubled ;  like  low  streams 

With  torrents  crown'd  are  men  with  diadems. 

Chapman. 
Around  Thy  throne,  in  peaceful  streams, 

0  God  !  celestial  pleasure  glides  ; 

The  brightening  wave  Thine  image  beams, 

Untinged  by  sorrow's  darkened  tides. 
That  stream  my  fainting  spirit  cheers 

When  sultry  suns  pour  down  their  heat ; 
And  when  I  cross  the  vale  of  tears, 

It  makes  the  cup  of  sorrow  sweet.         J.  Alexander. 

1  know  a  stream,  a  gentle  stream 
Which  by  a  valley  glides  along, 

That  well  might  suit  a  Poet's  theme, 

Or  fit  a  raptured  Minstrel's  song ; 
And  often  I  have  stood  to  look 
On  the  calm  beauty  of  that  brook, 
And  thought  the  scene  was  such  as  might 

Have  shone  upon  Creation's  morn, 
When  all  the  morning  stars  of  light, 

Sang  joyously  that  earth  was  born ; 
And  angels  as  they  paused  to  see, 
Joined  the  triumphant  Jubilee ! 
And  God  himself  in  glory  stood, 
And  there  pronounced  it  very  good.  Ann  Pratt. 


STRENGTH.  575 


STRENGTH. 

AS  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  rtrengrtt  be. — Deuteronomy,  xxxiii.  36. 
Tlie  Lord  Is  my  strength    ;:nd  song,  and  is  become  my  salvation.   - 
Psalm  cxviii.  14. 

He  that  is  mighty  hath  done  bo  me  great  things;  and  holy  La  Hia 
name. 

He  hath  shewed  .<//■<«;////  with  his  arm  ;  \l^  batb  scattered  the  proud 
in  the  Imagination  of  their  hearts.     Luke.  i.  49,  51. 

Vigour  from  toil,  from  trouble  patience  grows. 
The  weakly  blossom,  warm  in  summer  bower, 
Some  tints  of  transient  beauty  may  disclose ; 
But  ah  !  it  withers  in  the  chilling  hour. 
Mark  yonder  oaks  !     Superior  to  the  power 
Of  all  the  warring  winds  of  heaven  they  rise, 
And  from  the  stormy  promontory  tower, 
And  toss  their  giant  arms  amid  the  skies, 
While  each  assailing  blast  increase  of  strength  supplies. 

Beattie. 

The  strength  of  man  sinks  in  the  hour  of  trial ; 
But  there  doth  live  a  power,  that  to  the  battle 
Girdeth  the  weak.  Joanna  Baillie. 

When  adverse  winds  and  waves  arise, 
And  in  my  heart  despondence  sighs, — 
While  life  her  throng  of  care  reveals, 
And  weakness  o'er  my  spirit  steals, — 
Grateful  I  hear  the  kind  decree, 
That  "as  my  day,  my  strength  shall  be." 

When,  with  sad  footstep,  memory  roves 
'Mid  smitten  joys,  and  buried  loves, — 
When  sleep  my  tearful  pillow  flies, 
And  dewy  morning  drinks  my  sighs, — 
Still  to  Thy  promise,  Lord,  I  flee, 
That  "as  my  day,  my  strength  shall  be" 

One  trial  more  must  yet  be  past, 

One  pang, — the  keenest  and  the  last ; 

And  when,  with  brow  convulsed  and  pale, 

My  feeble  quivering  heart-strings  fail, 

Redeemer,  grant  my  soul  to  see 

That  "as  her  day,  her  strength  shall  be." 

Mrs.  Slgourney. 


576  STRIFE. 


STKIFE. 

Let  there  be  no  strife,  I  pray  thee,  between  me  and  thee. — Genesis, 
xiii.  8. 

Thon  shalt  hide  tbem  in  the  secret  of  Thy  presence  from  the  pride 
of  man ;  Thon  shalt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife 
of  tongues. — Psalm  xxxi.  20. 

He  that  passeth  by,  and  meddleth  with  strife  belonging  not  to  him, 
is  like  one  that  taketh  a  dog  by  the  ears. — Proverbs,  xxvi.  17. 

Foolish  and  unlearned  questions  avoid,  knowing  that  they  do  gender 
strifes.— II.  Timothy,  ii.  22. 

O  shame  to  men  !  Devil  with  Devil  damned 

Firm  concord  holds,  men  only  disagree 

Of  creatures  rational,  though  under  hope 

Of  heavenly  grace  ;  and  God  proclaiming  peace, 

Yet  live  in  hatred,  enmity,  and  strife 

Among  themselves.  Milton. 

O  for  thy  children  too  confined ! 

Thy  sons  in  peace  thou  canst  not  feed, 

Doomed  land !  to  strangers  now  resigned 

Such  judgment  hath  begun  on  thee. 
A  foe,  by  thee  unharmed  indeed, 
Sits  at  thy  board  and  mocks  thy  toils, 
Divides  thy  frantic  people's  spoils, 

And  holds  thy  sword  of  sovereignty. 

Frantic  he  too  !     O  never !  no, 

Was  nation  blessed  by  blood  and  wrong ; 

The  conquered  feel  not  all  the  wo  ; 

Still  turns  to  tears  the  guilty 's  joy : 
Though  not  his  haughty  way  along 
Th'  eternal  vengeance  sweeps  and  breaks  ; 
It  follows,  watches  still,  and  wakes, 

At  his  last  moment  to  destroy. 

Stamped  in  one  image  at  our  birth, 
Made  in  the  likeness  all  of  one ; 
Ever  at  every  part  of  earth 

Where  breath  of  life  we  may  inherit, 
Be  brethren  all !     Our  unison 
Accursed  be  he  to  strife  who  turns, 
Accursed  who  mocketh  him  that  mourns, 

Or  saddeneth  one  immortal  spirit! 

From  the  Italian  of  Manzoni. 


SUBMISSION.  577 


SUBMISSION. 

SUBMIT  yourselves  therefore  to  God.— James,  iv.   7. 

Siihmit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the  Lord's  sake. 
—I.  Peter,  ii.  18. 

Since  't  is  Thy  sentence  I  should  part 
With  the  most  precious  treasure  of  my  heart, 

I  freely  that  and  more  resign, 
My  heart  itself,  as  its  delight  is  thine ; 

My  little  all  I  give  to  thee, 

Thou  gav'st  a  greater  gift,  Thy  Son,  to  me. 

Take  all,  great  God,  I  will  not  grieve, 
But  still  will  wish  that  I  had  still  to  give; 

I  hear  thy  voice,  thou  bid'st  me  quit 
My  paradise  ;  I  bless  and  do  submit ; 

I  will  not  murmur  at  thy  word, 

Nor  beg  thy  ar  gel  to  sheathe  up  his  sword, 

Norris. 

Almighty  power,  I  love  Thee !  blissful  name, 

My  healer,  God !  and  may  my  inmost  soul 

Love  and  adore  for  ever!     Oh,  'tis  good 

To  wait  submissive  at  Thy  holy  throne, 

To  leave  petitions  at  Thy  feet,  and  bear 

Thy  frowns  and  silence  with  a  patient  soul. 

The  hand  of  mercy  is  not  short  to  save, 

Nor  is  the  ear  of  heavenly  pity  deaf 

To  mortal  cries.  Watts. 

Though  round  him  numerous  tribes, 
Sworn  foes  to  Heaven's  dread  Ruler,  pitch  their  tents, 
No  wayward  doubts  or  coward  fears  appal 
The  patriarch's  soul.     By  the  bright  hope  sustained 
That  in  his  seed  all  nations  should  be  blessed, 
Calm  and  unmoved  the  delegated  seer 
Submissive  bends  to  the  Eternal  Will. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

Christ  had  his  sorrows — so  must  thou, 
If  thou  wilt  tread  the  path  He  trod — 

O  then,  like  Him,  submissive  bow, 

And  own  the  sovereignty  of  God.  Anon. 

*  2  p 


578  SUFFERING. 


SUFFERING. 

FOR  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy 
to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  ns. — 
Romans,  viii.  18. 

Christ  hath  suffered  for  ns  in  the  flesh. 

If  any  man  suffer  as  a  Christian  let  him  not  be  ashamed. — I.  Peter, 
iv.  1,  16. 

But  the  G-od  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  ns  unto  his  eternal  glory 
by  Christ  Jesus,  after  that  ye  have  sum-red  awhile,  make  you  perfect, 
stablish,  strengthen,  settle  you. — I.  Peter,  v.  Id. 

Christ  suffers,  and  in  this  his  tears  begin ; 

Suffers  for  us,  and  joy  on  us  bestows  : 
Suffers  to  death, — here  is  his  manhood  seen  ; 
Suffers  to  rise, — and  hence  his  Godhead  shows ; 
For  man  that  could  not  by  himself  have  rose 
Out  of  the  grave  doth  by  the  Godhead  rise ; 
And  God  that  could  not  die,  in  manhood  dies, 
That  we  in  both  might  live,  by  that  sweet  sacrifice. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

They  who  have  rarest  joy,  know  joy's  true  measure ; 

They  who  most  suffer,  value  suffering's  pause  ; 
They  who  but  seldom  taste  the  simplest  pleasure, 
Kneel  oftenest  to  the  Giver  and  the  Cause. 

Mr 8.  Norton. 
O  ye,  whose  hearts  in  secret  bleed 

O'er  transient  hope,  like  morning  dew, 
O'er  friendship  faithless  in  your  need, 

Or  love  to  all  its  vows  untrue, 
Who  shrink  from  persecution's  rod, 

Or  slander's  fang,  or  treachery's  tone, 
Look  meekly  to  the  Son  of  God, 
And  in  His  griefs  forget  your  own. 

Forsaken  are  ye  ? — so  was  He  ; 

Reviled  ? — yet  check  the  'vengeful  word  ; 
Rejected? — should  the  servant  be 

Exalted  o'er  his  suffering  Lord? 
Nor  deem  that  Heaven's  omniscient  eye 

Is  e'er  regardless  of  your  lot, — 
Deluded  man  from  God  may  fly, 

But  when  was  man  by  God  forgot? 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 


sun.  579 

SUN. 

0  GIYK  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  He  is  good  : 

To  Him  that  mm  ts;    the  mm  r.»  rule  by  day:  for   His 

mercy  endureth  for  ever.     PBalm  exxxvi.  1.  7.  8. 

The  Lord,  which  tziveth    the  not  for   a  light   bj  day:   the   Lord  of 
Host:-  is  His  name. —  Jeremiah,  xxxi.  85. 

He  maketh  His  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  goo<L— Matthew, 
v.  45. 

When  creatures  had  no  real  light 
Inherent  in  them,  Thou  didst  make  the  sun 

Impart  a  lustre,  and  allow  them  bright ; 
And  in  this,  show  what  Christ  hath  done. 

George  Herbert. 

Great  source  of  day !  best  image  here  below 
Of  thy  Creator,  ever  pouring  wide 
From  world  to  world  the  vital  ocean  round. 
On  nature  write  with  every  beam  his  praise. 
The  thunder  rolls  :  he  hushed  the  prostrate  world; 
"While  cloud  to  cloud  returns  the  solemn  hymn. 
Bleat  out  afresh  ye  hills,  ye  mossy  rocks 
Return  the  sound  ;  the  broad  responsive  low 
Ye  valleys  raise,  for  the  great  shepherd  reigns, 
And  His  unsuffering  kingdom  yet  will  come. 

Thomson. 

Look  up  to  Heaven !  the  industrious  sun 

Already  half  his  race  hath  run, 

He  cannot  halt  nor  go  astray, 

But  our  immortal  spirits  may. 

Lord !  since  his  rising  in  the  east, 

If  we  have  faltered  or  transgressed, 

Guide,  from  thy  love's  abundant  source, 

What  yet  remains  of  this  day's  course. 

Help  with  thy  grace  through  life's  short  day 

Our  upward  and  our  downward  way, 

And  glorify  for  us  the  west, 

When  we  shall  sink  to  final  rest.  Wordsworth. 

As  some  tall  cliff,  that  lifts  its  awful  form, 
Swells  from  the  vale,  and  midway  leaves  the  storm ; 
Tho'  round  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread, 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  its  head.  Goldsmith. 


580  sun. 

Doth  thy  great  Maker,  Sun  !  forbid  the  thought, 
That  of  his  glory,  thou  one  ray  hast  caught ; 
When  thou  go'st  measuring  the  boundless  skies, 
Art  thou  not  Sun  I  the  brightness  of  his  eyes  ? 
Ah !  if  I've  sometimes  in  misfortune's  days 
Blasphem'd  the  sun's  vexation-causing  rays  ; 
And  if  I've  cursed  the  gifts,  receiv'd  from  thee, 
My  God!  who  readest  hearts — O  pardon  me  ! 

Pulling,  from  Lamartine. 

I  marvel  not,  O  sun,  that  unto  thee 

In  adoration  man  should  bow  the  knee, 

And  pour  the  prayer  of  mingled  awe  and  love ; 

For  like  a  G-od  thou  art,  and  on  thy  way 

Of  glory  sheddest,  with  benignant  ray, 

Beauty  and  life  and  joyance  from  above.  Southey. 

Source  of  light !  thou  mak'st  the  sun 

On  his  burning  axles  run  : 

The  stars  like  dust  around  him  fly, 

And  strew  the  area  of  the  sky : 

He  drives  so  swift  his  race  above, 

Mortals  can't  perceive  him  move  ; 

To  smooth  his  course  oblique  or  straight, 

Olympus  shakes  not  with  his  weight. 

As  the  queen  of  solemn  night, 

Fills  at  his  vase  her  orb  of  light, 

Imparted  lustre,  thus  we  see 

The  solar  virtues  shine  by  thee ! 

Phoebus  borrows  from  thy  beams 

His  radiant  locks,  and  golden  streams ! 

Whence  thy  warmth  and  light  disperse, 

To  cheer  the  grateful  universe.         Samuel  Wesley. 

Cold  and  obscure,  in  vain  the  king  and  sage 
Gave  law  and  learning  to  the  darkened  age. 
There  was  no  present  faith,  no  future  hope, 
Earth  bounded  then  the  earth-drawn  horoscope  ; 
Till  to  the  east  there  rose  the  promised  star — 
Till  rose  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  afar — 
Till  on  a  world  redeemed  the  Saviour  shone, 
Earth  for  His  footstool, — Heaven  for  His  throne. 

Miss  Landon. 


sun.  581 

Sun  of  the  firmament !  planet  of  wonderment ! 

Now  thy  far  journey  of  day  it  is  done ; 
Still  thou  art  parting  bright,  shedding  immortal  light 

Down  on  the  throne  of  night — hail !  setting  sun  ! 

Slow  thou  depart'st  away,  far  from  the  realms  of  day, 
Ling'ring  in  pity  on  summer's  loved  bowers  ; 

Thy  last  ray  is  streaming,  thy  farewell  tint  beaming, 
Yet  soon  thou  'It  return  to  refreshen  the  flowers. 

Thy  parting  brings  sadness,  yet  nations  in  gladness 
Are  waiting  to  worship  thee — fountain  of  light ! 

Where'er  thy  footsteps  be,  there  do  we  beauty  see, 
Thou  kindlest  day  in  the  dwellings  of  night. 

Where  sleeps  the  thunder — there  dost  thou  wander, 
Down  'neath  the  ocean  deep,  there  dost  thou  stray, 

Kissing  the  stars  at  morn,  high  on  the  air  upborne, 
Skirting  creation's  far  verge  on  thy  way. 

Grandeur  and  glory,  they  travel  before  thee. 
Brightness  and  majesty  walk  in  thy  train ! 

Darkness  it  flies  from  thee,  clouds  may  not  rise  to  thee 
When  thou  awak'st  from  the  ocean  again. 

All  own  thy  influence,  kindly  thou  dost  dispense 
Blessings  o'er  nature  where'er  its  bounds  be ; 

Afric's  lone  desert,  it  blooms  at  thy  presence ; 
And  Lapland  is  turn'd  into  summer  by  thee. 

Time  cannot  conquer  thee,  age  cannot  alter  thee, 
Years  have  no  power  to  limit  thy  sway ; 

Strength  and  sublimity,  still  they  attend  on  thee, 
Pilgrim  of  ages,  but  not  of  decay. 

Sun  of  the  firmament !  planet  of  wonderment ! 

Now  thy  far  journey  of  day  it  is  done ; 
Still  thou  art  parting  bright,  shedding  immortal  light 

Down  on  the  throne  of  night — hail !  setting  sun  ! 

Robert  Gilfillan. 

O  Sun !  what  makes  thy  beams  so  bright  ? 
— The  word  that  said  "Let  there  be  light!" 

J.  Montgomery. 


582  SUPERSTITION. 


SUPERSTITION. 

THEX  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of   Mars'  hilL  and   said,  Ye  men  of 
Athens,  I  perceive  that  in  all  things  ye  are  too  superstitious. — Acts, 


'T  is  Superstition  !  that 
Dread  bolt  that  seems  to  him  and  thee  the  home 
Of  torture,  is  the  earth,  the  beauteous  earth. 
Created  by  thy  God.  a  perfect  thing, 
All  loveliness,  and  life,  and  light,  to  be 
The  dwelling-place  of  thee  and  thine — but  this. 
This  ignorant,  besotted  fool,  sees  but 
In  that  beneficent  gift,  where  all  is  formed 
For  happiness,  a  scene  of  punishment 
And  death ;  turns  every  joy  to  bitterness, 
Reproaches  God  with,  never-ending  fears, 
And,  like  a  thankless  wretch,  dashes  aside 
The  cup  of  happiness  the  Almighty  hand 
Gives  to  his  lips,  when  he  might  know  his  praise, 
And  gratitude  can  but  be  shown  by  free 
And  innocent  enjoyment ;  not  content 
That  his  own  soul  must  suffer  misery, 
He  would  crush  down  his  fellow-beings  with 
The  weight  of  his  own  gloom.     His  voice  shall  fill 
The  earth  with  one  loud  cry  ;  at  his  command, 
The  homes  of  thousands  shall  be  desolate ; 
At  his  command,  fathers  shall  give  their  sons 
To  be  devoured  by  lingering  fire,  or  stretched 
Upon  a  wheel,  whose  racking  torture  tears 
The  victim  limb-meal,  and  then  lift  their  hands, 
Their  impious  hands,  to  heaven,  and  call  the  deed 
Of  blasphemy  a  holy  act.     Weak  fools ! 
To  think  it  pleaseth  Him  who  made  them  in 
His  image — that  that  image  should  be  torn, 
Defaced,  and  blotted.  Constantia  Louisa  Riddell. 

But  hence,  far  hence  be  ostentatious  pomp, 

And  superstition  s  tinsel.  Samuel  Hayes. 

Fell  Superstition  leads 
Her  horrid  train,  engendered  in  the  womb 
Of  her  own  mad  imaginings.  A.  Alexander. 


BUPPBB.  583 


SUPPER,     THE     LORD'S. 

Who-  .   flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life: 

and  1  will  rata  ■  him  up  at  the  la  t 

F'»r  my  flesh  is  m  -     "ink  indeed.— John, 

vi.  :.} 

The  Lnrd  Jesus,  the  same  night   in   which  He  was   betrayed,  took 

And  when  He  had  given  thanks.  He  brake   it.  and  Bald,  Take  eat; 
this  is  uiy  body,  which  is  broken  far  yon:  tins  a«>   in  remembrance 
of  me. 
After  the  same  m  t  the  cup.  when  He  had  - 

tit  in  my  blood :  this  da 
nk  it,  in  remembrance  of  me. 
For  :  and  drink  this  cup.  ye  do  show 

the  Lords  death  till  He  come.— I.  Corintldans,  xi.  2 

Him  first  to  love,  great  right  and  reason  is. 

Who  first  to  us  our  life  and  being  gave, 

And  after,  when  we  fared  had  amiss. 

Us  wretches  from  the  second  death  did  save  ; 

And  last,  the  Food  of  Life,  which  now  we  have, 

Even  He  Himself,  in  His  dear  Sacrament, 

To  feed  our  hungry  souls,  unto  us  lent. 

Then  next  to  love  our  brethren,  that  were  made 

Of  that  self-mould,  and  that  self- Maker's  hand. 

Spenser. 
I  love  to  mingle  there 
In  sympathy  of  praise  and  prayer, 
And  listen  to  that  Living  Word, 
Which  breathes  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  : 
Or.  at  the  mystic  table  placed, 
Those  eloquent  mementoes  taste 
Of  Thee,  Thou  Buffering  Lamb  divine, 
Thy  soul-refreshing  bread  and  wine  ; 
Sweet  viands,  given  us  to  assuage 
The  faintness  of  the  pilgrimage. 

Thomas  Grinfield. 
And  oft  your  willing  steps  renew,  around  the  sacred 

board, 
And  break  the  bread,  and  pour  the  wine,  in  memory 

of  your  Lord : 
To  drink  with  me  the  grape's  first  juice,  to  you  shall 

yet  be  given. 
Fresh  from  the   deathless   vine   that   blooms    in   blest 
abodes  of  Heaven.  Thomas  Dale. 


584  supper. 

Bread  of  Heaven,  on  Thee  we  feed, 
For  Thy  flesh  is  meat  indeed ; 
Ever  let  our  souls  be  fed 
With  this  true  and  Living  Bread. 

Vine  of  Heaven,  Thy  blood  supplies 
This  blest  cup  of  sacrifice  ; 
Lord,  Thy  wounds  our  healing  give ; 
To  Thy  cross  we  look  and  live. 

Day  by  day,  with  strength  supplied, 

Through  the  life  of  Him  who  died, 

Lord  of  life,  O'  let  us  be 

Hooted,  grafted,  built  on  Thee  !  Conder. 

Bow  thee  to  earth,  and  from  thee  cast 

All  stubbornness  of  human  will ; 
Then  dare  to  drink  the  Sacred  Cup 

Thy  God  and  Saviour  died  to  fill. 

Come  with  thy  guilt  new-washed  in  tears, 

Thy  spirit  raised  in  faith  above ; 
Then  drink,  and  so  thy  soul  shall  live, 

Thy  Saviour's  blood, — thy  Saviour's  love. 

Miss  Landon. 

Break  to  us  each,  this  day,  our  daily  bread, 
Nor  let  earth's  fading  food  alone  be  given  ; 
Feed  us  upon  Thy  Word, — in  Christ  our  Head, 
To  find  Thy  Peace,  the  living  Bread  from  Heaven. 

H.  H.  Weld. 

For  say,  can  fancy,  fond  to  weave  the  tale 
Of  bliss  ideal,  feign  more  genuine  joy 
Than  thine,  Believer,  when  the  man  of  God 
Gives  to  thy  hand  the  consecrated  cup, 
Blessed  memorial  of  a  Saviour's  love ! 
Glowing  with  zeal,  the  humble  penitent 
Approacheth  :  Faith  her  fostering  radiance  points 
Full  on  his  contrite  heart :  Hope  cheers  his  steps, 
And  Charity,  the  fairest  in  the  train 
Of  Christian  virtues,  swells  his  heaving  breast 
With  love  unbounded. 

Thomas  Zouch. 


supper.  585 


So  is  it  with  true  Christian  hearts ; 

Their  mutual  share  in  Jesus'  blood 
An  everlasting  bond  imparts 

Of  holiest  brotherhood : 
Oh!   might  we  all  our  lineage  prove, 
Give  and  forgive,  do  good  and  l«\e. 
By  soft  endearments  in  kind  strife 
Lightening  the  load  of  daily  life  !  Keble. 

Thou  who  didst  taste 
Of  man's  infirmities,  yet  bar  his  sins 
From  thine  unspotted  soul,  forsake  us  not 
In  our  temptations,  but  so  guide  our  feet, 
That  our  Last  Supper  in  this  world  may  lead 
To  that  immortal  banquet  by  thy  side, 
Where  there  is  no  betrayer.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 


By  chain  yet  stronger  must  the  soul  be  tied  : 

One  duty  more,  last  stage  of  this  ascent, 

Brings  to  thy  food,  memorial  Sacrament, 

The  offspring,  haply  at  the  parents'  side  ; 

But  not  till  they,  with  all  that  do  abide 

In  Heaven,  have  lifted  up  their  hearts  to  laud 

And  magnify  the  glorious  name  of  God, 

Fountain  of  Grace,  whose  Son  for  sinners  died, 

Here  must  my  song  in  timid  reverence  pause ; 

But  shrink  not,  ye,  whom  to  the  saving  rite 

The  Altar  calls  ;  come  early,  under  laws 

That  can  secure  for  you  a  path  of  light 

Through  gloomiest  shade  ;  put  on,  nor  dread  its  weight, 

Armour  divine,  and  conquer  in  your  cause. 

Wordsworth. 

Here  He  led 
From  the  Last  Supper,  when  the  hymn  was  sung, 
His  few  grieved  followers  out,  in  that  drear  night, 
When,  in  the  garden,  on  the  mountain's  slope, 
His  agony  wrung  forth  the  crimson  drops ! 
While  these  sad  pictures  hang  upon  thy  sides, 
Thou  consecrated  height,  dissolve  the  heart 
In  pious  sorrow  !  Hannah  F.  Gould. 


586  supplication, 


SUPPLICATION. 

I  CRIED  to  Thee,  0  Lord ;  and  unto  the  Lord  I  made  supplication. 
—Psalm  xxx.  8. 

Let  my  supplication  come  before  Thee  :  deliver  me  according  to  Thy 
word.— Psalm  cxix.  170. 

O  my  G-od  incline  Thine  ear,  and  hear  :  for  we  do  not  present  our 
supplications  before  Thee  for  our  righteousnesses,  but  for  Thy  great 
mercies.— Daniel,  ix.  1--. 

Oh,  when  Thy  last  frown  shall  proclaim 
The  flocks  of  goats  to  folds  of  flame  ; 
And  all  Thy  lost  sheep  found  shall  be, 
Let  "Come,  ye  blessed"  then  call  me. 

Oh,  hear  a  suppliant  heart  all  crush' d 

And  crumbled  into  contrite  dust ; 

My  Hope,  my  Fear,  my  Judge,  my  Friend, 

Take  charge  of  me,  and  of  my  end.  Crashaw. 

Like  the  low  murmur  of  the  secret  stream, 

Which  through  dark  alders  winds  its  shaded  way. 

My  suppliant  voice  is  heard.     Ah,  do  not  deem 
That  on  vain  toys  I  throw  my  hours  away. 

In  the  recesses  of  the  forest  vale, 

On  the  wild  mountains,  on  the  verdant  sod, 

When  the  fresh  breezes  of  the  morn  prevail, 
I  wander  lone,  communing  with  my  God. 

Beckfovd. 

From  lowest  depths  of  woe 

To  God  I  send  my  cry ; 
Lord  hear  my  supplicating  voice, 

And  graciously  reply ! 

My  soul  with  patience  waits 

For  Thee,  the  living  Lord  ; 
My  hopes  are  on  Thy  promise  built, 

Thy  never-failing  word ! 

Let  Israel  trust  in  God  ; 

No  bounds  His  mercy  knows  ; 
The  plenteous  source  and  spring  from  whence 

Eternal  succour  flows.  Brady  and  Tate. 


TEACHING.  587 


TEACHING. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  Thou  chastenest,  O  Lord,  and  teaehat 
him  out  of  Thy  law.— Psalm  xriv.   18. 

There  was  a  man  of  the  Pharisees,  named  Nioodemns : 

The  same  came  to  Jesus  by  night,  and  Baid  onto  Mini.  Babbi,  we 
know  that  Thou  art  B  teacher  oome  from  God.— John,  iii.  1,  2. 

Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom;  teaching 
and  admonishing  one  another. — Colossians,  iii.  16. 

The  azure  vault,  the  crystal  circles  bright, 
The  gleamiug,  fiery  torches  powdered  there, 
The  changing  round,  the  shining,  beamy  light, 
The  sad  and  bearded  fires,  the  monsters  fair, 
And  prodigies  appearing  in  the  air ; 
The  rending  thunders,  and  the  blust'ring  winds, 
The  birds  in  hue,  and  shape,  and  nature  rare ; 
The'  pretty  notes  of  winged  musicians  fine  ; 
Of  earth  the  saucy  flowers,  the  metalled  mine, 
The  wholesome  herbs,  the  healthful,  pleasant  trees, 
The  silver  streams,  the  beasts  of  sundry  kinds  ; 
The  bounding  waves  and  fishes  of  the  seas : 
All  these  for  teaching  man  the  Lord  did  frame, 
To  do  His  will  whose  glory  shines  in  flame. 

King  James  I, 
If  man  sleeps  on,  untaught  by  what  he  sees, 
Can  he  prove  infidel  to  what  he  feels  ?  Young. 

Father  of  light  and  life!  Thou  good  Supreme  ! 

O  teach  me  what  is  good  !     Teach  me  Thyself! 

Save  me  from  folly,  vanity,  and  vice, 

From  every  low  pursuit.  Thomson. 

Spirit  of  Light !  do  Thou  impart 

Majestic  truths,  and  teach  my  heart; 

Teach  me  to  know  how  weak  I  am, 

How  vain  my  powers,  how  poor  my  frame  ; 

Teach  me  celestial  paths  untrod, 

The  ways  of  glory  and  of  God.  Crabbe. 

Lord,  grant  our  hearts  be  so  inclined, 

Thy  work  to  seek,  Thy  will  to  do; 
And  while  we  teach  the  youthful  mind, 

Our  own  be  taught  Thy  lessons  too. 

Miss  La,i  don. 


588  TEACHING. 


Chief  of  the  household  Gods 
Which  hallow  Scotland's  lowly  Scottish  homes  ! 

While  looking  at  thy  signs  [comes — 

Which  speak,  though  dumb,  deep    thought   upon   me 
With  sad  yet  solemn  dreams  my  heart  is  stirred. 
Like  childhood  when  it  hears  the  carol  of  a  bird  ! 

The  mountains  old  and  hoar — 
The  chainless  winds — the  streams  so  pure  and  free — 

The  God-enamelled  flowers — 
The  waving  forest — the  eternal  sea — 
The  eagle  floating  o'er  the  mountain's  brow — 
Are  teachers  all;  but  oh!  they  are  not  such  as  thou! 

Robert  Nicoll. 

To  conquer  hate, 
And  in  its  place  to  cherish  love  unfeigned, 
Forgiveness  and  forgetfulness  of  wrongs, 
No  precepts  but  the  perfect  law  of  Christ, 
No  teacher  but  the  blessed  Son  of  God. 
Could  e'er  instruct  mankind.  C.  P.  Layard. 

Here  the  lamented  dead  in  dust  shall  lie, 

Life's  lingering  languors  o'er,  its  labours  done ; 

Where  waving  boughs,  between  the  earth  and  sky, 
Admit  the  farewell  radiance  of  the  sun. 

And  here  the  impressive  stone,  engraved  with  words 
Which  grief  sententious  gives  to  marble  pale, 

Shall  teach  the  heart ;  while  waters,  leaves,  and  birds 
Make  cheerful  music  in  the  passing  gale. 

Willis  G.  Clark. 

Your  voiceless  lips,  O  flowers,  are  living  preachers, 

Each  cup  a  pulpit,  every  leaf  a  book, 
Supplying  to  my  fancy  numerous  teachers, 
From  loneliest  nook. 

Were  I,  O  God,   in  churchless  lands  remaining, 

Far  from  the  voice  of  teachers  and  divines, 
My  soul  would  find  in  flowers  of  Thy  ordaining, 
Priests,  sermons,  shrines. 

Horace  Smith. 


TEARS.  58i> 


TEARS. 

Mv  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  night*  while  they  continually 
say  unto  inc.  Where  is  th\   God?     PBahn  xlii.  :;. 

The   Lord   God  will   wipe   away    tear*    bom   off   all   faces. -Isaiah. 

They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more:  neither  shall 
the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat. 

the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them, 
and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters  :  and  God  shall 
wii*   away  all  tear*  from  their  eyes.— Revelation,  vii.  16.  17. 

Not  when  the  earth  revives  with  genial  heat, 
To  fresh  and  blooming  flowers,  the  bee  applies 
With  such  delight,  and  bears  on  loaded  thighs 

The  fragrant  treasure  to  her  loaded  seat ; 

Not  young  and  timorous  hind  with  course  so  fleet, 
Escaped  to  trackless  forest  from  the  cries 
Of  fell  pursuit,  now  unsuspected  flies, 

Panting  to  reach  the  cooling  waters  sweet, 

As  I  in  those  hot  tears  exult,  which  shower 
From  my  relenting  eyes,  when  up  to  God, 
With  love  or  kindling  zeal  my  heart  ascends. 
"How  great,"  in  transport  thus  my  soul  I  pour. 
"Must  be  their  glory  in  the  blest  abode, 

AY  hose  joy  the  pleasure  of  my  grief  transcends !" 

From  the  Italian  of  Gabriel  Fiamma. 

No  sigh,  no  murmur  the  wide  world  shall  hear ; 
From  every  face  He  wipes  off"  every  tear.  Pope. 

To  hurry  at  thy  mandate,  matchless  King ! 

The  orbs  of  night  have  cars  of  sapphire  dyes  ; 
To  reach  Thee  th'  eagle  hath  at  least  his  wing, 

And  nought  have  we  except  our  sighs ! 
May  thy  saints'  voice  ascend  and  calm  thy  wrath, 

Terrestrial  incense  is  the  just  man's  prayer  ; 
But  pass  we  sinners,  nought  the  sinner  hath, 

Unto  thy  shrine,  but  tears  to  bear.  Lamartine. 

Kaise  it  to  Heaven  when  thine  eye  fills  with  tears, 
For  only  in  a  watery  sky  appears 
The  bow  of  light ;  and  from  th'  invisible  skies 
Hope's  glory  shines  not,  save  through  weeping  eyes. 

Frances  Ann  Kemble. 


590  TEAKS. 

Thou  hast  wept  mournfully,  O,  human  love  ! 
E'en  on  this  greensward ;  night  hath  heard  thy  cry, 
Heart-stricken  one  !  thy  precious  dust  above, 
Night,  and  the  hills,  which  sent  forth  no  reply 

Unto  thine  agony ! 
But  he  who  wept  like  thee,  thy  Lord,  thy  guide, 
Christ,  hath  arisen,  O  love  !  thy  tears  shall  all  be  dried. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 
Thank  God,  bless  God,  all  ye  who  suffer  not 
More  grief  than  ye  can  weep  for.     That  is  well — 
That  is  light  grieving  !  lighter  none  befel, 
Since  Adam  forfeited  the  primal  lot. 
Tears  !  what  are  tears  ?     The  babe  weeps  in  its  cot, 
The  mother  singing :  at  her  marriage  bell 
The  bride  weeps  :  and  before  the  oracle 
Of  high-faned  hills,  the  poet  hath  forgot 
That  moisture  on  his  cheeks.     Commend  the  grace, 
Mourners  who  weep !     Albeit,  as  some  have  done, 
Ye  grope,  fear-blinded,  in  a  desert  place, 
And  touch  but  tombs, — look  up  !     Those  tears  will  run, 
Soon,  in  long  rivers,  down  the  lifted  face, 
And  leave  the  vision  clear,  for  stars  and  sun. 

Miss  Barrett. 
O,  turn,  and  be  thou  turned !     The  selfish  tear, 

In  bitter  thoughts  of  low-born  care  begun, 
Let  it  flow  on,  bat  flow  refined  and  clear, 

The  turbid  waters  brightening  as  they  run. 
Let  it  flow  on,  till  all  thine  earthly  heart 
In  penitential  drops  have  ebbed  away  ; 
Then  fearless,  turn  where  Heaven  hath  set  thy  part, 

Nor  shudder  at  the  eye  that  saw  thee  stray. 
O,  lost  and  found  !     All  gentle  souls  below 

Their  dearest  welcome  shall  prepare,  and  prove 
Such  joy  o'er  thee  as  raptured  seraphs  know, 
Who  learn  their  lesson  at  the  Throne  of  Love. 

Eeble. 
What  sadder  scene  can  angels  view 

Than  self-deceiving  tears, 
Poured  idly  over  some  dark  page 
Of  earlier  life,  though  pride  or  rage 
A  record  of  to-day  engage, 
A  woe  for  future  years  ?  Keble. 


TEARS.  591 


For  Spring,  and  flowers  of  Spring, 
Blossoms  and  what  they  bring, 

Be  our  thanks  given ; 
Thanks  for  the  maiden's  bloom, 
For  the  sad  prison's  gloom ; 
And  for  the  sadder  tomb, 

E'en  as  for  heaven ! 

Great  God  thy  will  be  done, 
When  the  soul's  rivers  run 

Down  the  worn  cheeks, 
Done  when  the  righteous  bleed, 
When  the  wrong'd  vainly  plead, 
Done  in  the  mended  deed, 

When  the  heart  breaks. 

Lo !  how  the  dutiful 
Snows  clothe  in  beautiful 

Life,  the  dead  earth  ! 
Lo  !  how  the  clouds  distil 
Riches  o'er  vale  and  hill, 
While  the  storm's  evil  will 

Dies  in  its  birth  ! 

Bless'd  is  the  unpeopled  down, 
Bless'd  is  the  crowded  town, 

Where  the  tir'd  groan  : 
Pain  but  appears  to  be  ; 
What  are  man's  fears  to  Thee, 
God !  if  all  tears  shall  be 

Gems  on  THy  throne. 

E.  Elliot. 
And  tears  once  filled  His  eye 

Beside  a  mortal's  grave, 
Who  left  His  throne  on  high 

The  lost  to  seek  and  save. 
And  fresh,  from  age  to  age, 

Their  memory  shall  be  kept, 
While  man  shall  bless  the  page 
Which  tells  that  Jesus  wept ! 

Bernard  Barton. 

Alas  !  who  hath  not  tears  on  earth, 
Perchance  though  often  wept  unseen? 

On  every  soil  they  have  their  birth, 

In  hearts  where  blithest  smiles  have  been. 


TEARS. 


Tears  are  the  blessings  of  the  heart, 

When  nature  oft  would  fain  rebel, 
Yet  bends  beneath  the  rending  dart, 

And  tears  her  deepest  anguish  tell. 

Tears  are  the  heir-loom  of  our  race, 

From  sire  to  son  profusely  given  ; 
Bright  dew-drops  on  the  mourner's  face, — 

Bright  only  in  the  light  of  Heaven . 

In  that  pure  light  the  mother  sees 

Through  her  fast  tears  the  cloud  grow  bright  ; 
Hope  gilded  with  sweet  promises, 

Smiling  upon  the  brow  of  night. 

Faith  draws  the  distant  vision  nigh, 

Where  basks  her  child  in  thornless  bowers  ; 

While  cherub  hands  suppress  each  sigh, 
And  wreath  her  heart  with  fadeless  flowers. 

In  that  bright  world  no  tears  are  seen, 
For  G-od  hath  wiped  all  tears  away  ; 

Earth's  last  deep  groan  of  anguish  keen 
Ne'er  mingles  with  Redemption's  lay. 

Washed  in  the  Saviour's  cleansing  blood, 
The  white-robed  saints  in  glory  stand, 

Hailing  Earth's  lingerers  o'er  the  flood 
To  the  full  bliss  of  Canaan's  land. 

Oh,  blest  re-union !     No  more  tears 

Shall  dim  the  sun-blaze  of  the  soul, 
But  smiles  shall  be  the  chroniclers 

Of  joys  that  own  not  death's  control. 

W.  J.  Brock. 

The  sage's  and  the  poet's  theme, 

In  every  clime,  in  every  age  ; 
Thou  charm'st  in  Fancy's  idle  dream, 

In  Reason's  philosophic  page. 

That  very  law  which  moulds  a  tear, 

And  bids  it  trickle  from  its  source ; 
That  law  preserves  the  earth  a  sphere, 

And  guides  the  planets  in  their  course. 

Rogers. 


TEMPERANCE.  593 


TEMPERANCE. 

Every  man  that  striveth  for  the  master]  i  i  all  things. 

>suw  they  do  it  to  obtain  a  corruptible  crown,  hut  we  an  incorruptible. 
— I.  Corinthians,  ix.  25. 

If  all  the  world 
Should,  in  a  pet  of  Temperance,  feed  on  pulse, 
Drink  the  clear  stream,  aud  nothing  wear  but  frieze, 
Th'  All-Giver  would  be  unthank'd,  would  be  unprais'd, 
Not  half  His  riches  known,  and  yet  despis'd ; 
And  we  should  serve  Him  as  a  grudging  master, 
And  a  penurious  niggard  of  His  wealth.  Milton. 

Nature,  good  cateress, 
Means  her  provision  only  to  the  good, 
That  live  according  to  her  sober  laws, 
And  holy  dictates  of  spare  Temperance.  Milton. 

Rarely  shall  that  path  be  trod, 
Which  without  korror  leads  to  death's  abode. 
Some  few,  by  temperance  taught,  approaching  slow, 
To  distant  fate  by  easy  journeys  go ; 
Gently  they  lay  them  down,  as  evening  sheep 
On  their  own  woolly  fleeces  softly  sleep.  Dry  den. 

Grateful  and  salutary  spring  the  plants 

"Which  crown  our  numerous  gardens,  and 

Invite  to  health  and  temperance,  in  the  simple  meal 

Unpoisoned  with  rich  sauces,  to  provoke 

Th'  unwilling  appetite  to  gluttony. 

For  this  the  bulbous  esculents  their  roots 

With  sweetness  fill ;  for  this  with  cooling  juice 

The  green  herb  spreads  its  leaves ;  and  opening  buds, 

And  flowers,  and  seeds,  with  various  flavours. 

Dodsley. 
He  who  can  guard  'gainst  the  low  baits  of  sense. 
Will  find  Temptation's  arrows  hurtless  strike 
Against  the  brazen  shield  of  Temperance. 
For  't  is  the  inferior  appetites  enthral 
The  man,  and  quench  the  immortal  light  within  him ; 
The  senses  take  the  soul  an  easy  prey, 
And  sink  the  imprison'd  spirit  into  brute. 

H.  More. 
*  2  Q 


594  TEMPLE. 


TEMPLE. 

The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple,  the  Lord's  throne  is  in  heaven.— 
Psalm  xi.  4. 

One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after;  that 
I  may  dwell  hi  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to 
behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  enquire  in  His  temple. — Psalm 
xxvii.  4. 

And  I  John  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  coming  down  from 
God  out  of  heaven. 

And  I  saw  no  temple  therein ;  for  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the 
Lamb  are  the  temple  of  it. — Revelation,  xxi.  2,  22. 

Rise,  crowned  with  light,  imperial  Salem,  rise ! 

Exalt  thy  towering  head,  and  lift  thine  eyes ! 

See  a  long  race  thy  spacious  courts  adorn ; 

See  future  sons,  and  daughters  yet  unborn, 

In  crowding  ranks,  on  every  side  arise, 

Discarding  life,  impatient  for  the  skies ! 

See  barbarous  nations  at  thy  gates  attend, 

Walk  in  thy  light,  and  in  thy  temple  bend.  Pope. 

'T  was  thee 
The  almighty  chose  among  the  sons  of  men, 
To  dedicate  a  temple  to  His  name, 
Where  He  whose  awful  presence  fills  the  vast 
Immensity  of  space,  who  makes  the  clouds 
His  chariot,  rides  sublime  the  whirlwind's  wing, 
And  guides  the  raging  storm,  would  deign  to  dwell, 
And  make  His  presence  known.     The  exalted  task 
Thy  wisdom  worthily  performed.  William  Hodson. 

The  groves  were  God's  first  temples.     Ere  man  learned 

To  hew  the  shaft,  and  lay  the  architrave, 

And  spread  the  root  above  them, — ere  he  framed 

The  lofty  vault,  to  gather  and  roll  back 

The  sound  of  anthems  ;  in  the  darkling  wood, 

Amidst  the  cool  and  silence,  he  knelt  down, 

And  offered  to  the  Mightiest  solemn  thanks 

And  supplication.  W.  C.  Bryant. 

O  Thou,  to  whom,  in  ancient  time, 

The  lyre  of  Hebrew  bards  was  strung, 

Whom  kings  adored  in  songs  sublime, 

And  prophets  praised  with  glowing  tongue. 


TEMPLE.  696 


Not  now,  on  Zion's  height  alone, 

The  favoured  worshipper  may  dwell, 
Nor  where,  at  sultry  noon,  Thy  Son 

Sat,  weary,  by  the  Patriarch's  well. 

From  every  place  below  the  skies, 

The  grateful  song,  the  fervent  prayer — 

The  incense  of  the  heart — may  rise 
To  heaven,  and  find  acceptance  there. 

In  this  Thy  house,  whose  doors  we  now 

For  social  worship  first  unfold, 
To  Thee  the  suppliant  throng  shall  bow, 

While  circling  years  on  years  are  roll'd. 

To  Thee  shall  age,  with  snowy  hair, 

And  strength  and  beauty,  bend  the  knee, 

And  childhood  lisp,  with  reverend  air, 
Its  praises  and  its  prayers  to  Thee. 

O  Thou,  to  whom  in  ancient  time, 

The  lyre  of  prophet  bards  was  strung, 

To  Thee,  at  last,  in  every  clime, 

Shall  temples  rise,  and  praise  be  sung. 

Pierpont. 

And  now  the  assembled  Hosts  advance,  and  glow 
Into  a  hymn  as  they  ascend  the  hill, 
In  numbers  without  number,  singing  so. 
"Glad  was  I  when  they  said  to  me,  we  will 
Go  up  into  the  Temple  of  the  Lord ; 
Lo,  we  shall  dwell  in  Salem." 

Thus,  until 
They  reached  the  sacred  gates,  did  they  record 
Their  raptures  in  no  mortal  verse  ;  their  strain 
Of  higher  mood  they  raised  and  bolder  word. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 

In  a  temple  fair  to  see, 

Gracious  Lord,  we  worship  Thee : 

Meet  it  is  that  we  should  come 

Duly  to  the  hallowed  dome; 

Kneel,  and  pray,  our  sins  confessing, 

Asking — hoping  for  Thy  blessing.  Egont. 


596  TEMPTATION. 


TEMPTATION. 

Then  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  spirit  into  the  wilderness  to  be 
tempted  of  the  devil. — Matthew,  iv.  1. 

Lead  us  not  into  temptation. — Matthew,  vi.  13. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation. — Matthew,  xxvi. 
41. 

There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you  but  such  as  is  common  to  man  : 
but  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that 
ye  are  able ;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  way  to  escape, 
that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it. — I.  Corinthians,  x.  13. 

Not  thou  mistrust,  but  tender  love  enjoins, 

That  I  should  mind  thee  oft,  and  mind  thou  me 

Firm  we  subsist  yet  possibly  to  swerve, 

Since  reason  not  impossibly  may  meet 

Some  specious  object  by  the  foe  suborned, 

And  fall  into  deception  unaware, 

Not  keeping  strictest  watch  as  she  was  warned. 

Seek  not  temptation  then  ;  which  to  avoid 

Were  better!  *  *  *  trial  will  come  unsought. 

Wouldst  thou  approve  thy  constancy,  approve 

First  thy  obedience  :  th'  other  who  can  know, 

Not  seeing  thee  attempted,  who  attest  ? 

But  if  thou  think,  trial  unsought  may  find 

Us  both  securer  that  thus  warned  thou  seem'st, 

Go,  for  thy  stay  not  free  absents  thee  more, 

Go,  in  thy  native  innocence,  rely 

On  what  thou  hast  of  virtue,  summon  all, 

For  God  towards  thee  hath  done  his  part ;  do  thine. 

Milton. 
When  gath'ring  clouds  around  I  view, 
And  days  are  dark,  and  friends  are  few, 
On  Him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain, 
Experienced  every  human  pain  ; 
He  sees  my  wants,  allays  my  fears, 
And  counts  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 

If  aught  should  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 

From  heavenly  wisdom's  narrow  way, 

To  flee  the  good  I  would  pursue, 

Or  do  the  sin  I  would  not  do, 

Still  He,  who  felt  temptation  s  power 

Shall  guard  me  in  that  dangerous  hour.  Grant. 


TEMPTATION.  597 


And  now  came  on  temptation  s  demon  hour 
To  crush  the  Saviour !     By  the  Holy  Ghost 
Constrained,  within  a  desert's  trackless  wild 
Alone  He  wandered,  unperceived  by  eyes 
Of  mortal ;  there  to  fathom  time  and  truth, 
Redemption  and  the  vast  designs  of  Love. 

Thus  forty  days  of  dire  temptation  leagued 

Their  might  hell-born,  with  hunger,  thirst,  and  pain. 

Meanwhile,  in  thankless  calm  the  world  reposed, 

Life  went  her  rounds,  and  busy  hearts  maintain'd 

Their  wonted  purpose  :  still  uprose  the  parent  orb, 

And  all  the  dewy  ravishment  of  flowers 

Enkindled ;  day  and  ocean  mingled  smiles, 

And  then,  meek  night  with  starr'd  enchantment  rose, 

While  moonlight  wander'd  o'er  the  palmy  hills 

Of  green-hair'd  Palestine :  and  thus  unmark'd 

By  aught  portentous,  save  demonian  wiles, 

His  fasting  period  in  the  desert  gloom 

Messiah,  braved.  Robert  Montgomery. 

The  Tempter  to  my  soul  hath  said, 

"There  is  no  help  in  God  for  thee :" 
Lord,  lift  thou  up  thy  servant's  head, 

My  glory,  shield,  and  solace  be. 
Thus  to  the  Lord  I  made  my  cry ; 
He  heard  me  from  his  holy  hill ; 
At  his  command  the  waves  roll'd  by ; 
He  beckon'd  and  the  winds  were  still. 

J.  Montgomery. 
O  trembling,  learn 
That  Peter,  too,  was  chosen  by  his  Lord, 
Admonished,  and  forewarned,  and  resolute, 
And  sworn  to  persevere  in  righteousness ; 
Yet  in  the  hour  of  trial,  Peter  fell. 
Into  temptation  lead  us  not,  O  God ! 
But  with  Thy  hand  deliver  us  from  ill ! 

Cockbumt. 
He  who  sends  temptation,  giveth 
Strength  to  meet  and  overcome  the  foe, 
If  but  to  Him  we  pray, 
And  in  Him  put  our  trust.  JEgone. 


598  THANKFULNESS. 


THANKFULNESS. 

O  LORD  my  God,  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  for  ever. — Psalm  xxx. 
12. 

Enter  into   his  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  his  courts  with 
praise :  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. — Psalm  c.  4. 

In  every  thing  give  thanks;  for  this  is  the  will  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus  concerning  you. — I.  Thessalonians,  v.  18. 

A  thankful  heart  hath,  earned  me  favour  twice, 

But  he  that  is  ungrateful  wants  no  vice.  Quarles. 

God  is  much  displeased 
That  you  take  with  unthankfalness  His  doing ; 
In  common,  worldly  things,  't  is  called  ungrateful, 
With  dull  unwillingness  to  repay  a  debt 
Which  with  a  bounteous  hand  was  kindly  lent ; 
Much  more  to  be  thus  opposite  with  Heaven, 
For  it  requires  the  debt  it  lent  you.  Shakspere. 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God, 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I  'm  lost 

In  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 

Unnumber'd  blessings  on  my  head 

Thy  tender  care  bestow'd, 
Before  my  infant  heart  conceived 

From  whom  those  blessings  flow'd. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daily  thanks  employ  ; 
Nor  is  the  least  a  grateful  heart, 

To  taste  those  gifts  with  joy. 

Through  every  period  of  my  life 

Thy  goodness  I  '11  pursue ; 
And,  after  death,  in  distant  worlds, 

The  glorious  theme  renew.  Addison. 

Break  forth  into  thanksgiving, 

Ye  banded  instruments  of  wind  and  chords  ! 

Unite,  to  praise  the  Ever-living, 

Your  inarticulate  notes  with  the  voice  of  words, 


THANKFULNESS.  599 


Nor  hushed  be  service  from  the  lowing  mead, 

Nor  mute  the  forest  hum  of  noon : 

Thou  too  be  heard  lone  eagle  !  freed 

From  snowy  peak  and  cloud,  attune 

Thy  hungry  barkings  to  the  hymn 

Of  joy,  that  from  her  utmost  walls 

The  six  days  work,  by  flaming  Seraphim 

Transmits  to  Heaven !  as  deep  to  deep 

Shouting  through  one  valley  rolls  ; 

All  worlds,  all  nature,  mood  and  measure  keep 

For  praise  and  ceaseless  gratulation  poured 

Into  the  ear  of  God — their  Lord.  Wordsworth. 

Is  there  any  smile  of  prophecy  upon  the  world's  wide 

face? 
Among  the  striving  millions  there,  say  who  shall  win 

the  race? 
'Mid   fallen  towers,  and   falling   thrones,  and   glories 

that  decay, 
Will  any  kingdom  rise  to  shine  in  everlasting  day  ? 

One  spirit  powers  His  riches  o'er  all  the  earth  abroad, 
And   all   these   changing   pictures   shew   the  glory  of 

our  God. 
But,  would  you  know  the  meaning  and  the  virtue  of 

the  whole, 
Descend    to    yonder    vale,    where    dwells    one    happy 

human  soul. 

There  sitting  in  the  sunshine,  the  grey-haired  labourer 

see, 
He  smiles  upon  his  grandson  there,  who  plays  besides 

the  tree ; 
Where,    when   a   child,  he   played   himself,  and   soon 

its  bough  shall  wave, 
When  he  rests  from  all   his  labours,  above  his  quiet 

grave  ! 

( )h  yes ;    there    is    a   meaning    and   a  rest    for    every 

heart, 
Not  in  gazing  on  the  whole,  but  in  doing  well  a  part ; 
Where  rests  in  peace  and  thankfulness,  one  reasonable 

soul, — 
There   centres   all   the   happiness,  the  wisdom  of  the 

whole !  J.  Gostick. 


600  THOUGHT. 


THOUGHT. 

0  LORD,  how  great  are  thy  works  ?  and  thy  thoughts  are  very  deep. 
— Psalni  xcii.  5. 

1  hate  vain  thoughts;  but  thy  law  do  I  love.— Psalm  cxix.  113. 
The   thoughts  of    the   wicked  are   an    abomination   to  the   Lord. — 

Proverbs,  xv.  26. 

Which  of  you  by  taking  thought  can  add  one  cubit  unto  his  stature. 
—Matthew,  vi.  27. 

My  words  fly  up,  my  thoughts  remain  below ; 
Words  without  thoughts  never  to  Heaven  go. 

Shakspere. 
Rise,  O  my  soul,  with  thy  desires  to  heaven, 

And  with  divinest  contemplation  use 
Thy  time,  where  time's  eternity  is  given, 

And  let  vain  thoughts  no  more  thy  thoughts  abuse  ; 
But  sown  in  darkness  let  them  lie  ; 
So  live  the  better,  let  the  worst  thoughts  die ! 

Sir   Walter  Raleigh. 
Think  that  is  just ;  't  is  not  enough  to  do, 
Unless  thy  very  thoughts  are  upright  too. 

Thomas  Randolph. 
His  pure  thoughts  were  borne 
Like  fumes  of  sacred  incense  o'er  the  clouds, 
And  wafted  thence  on  angels'  wings,  through  ways 
Of  light  to  the  bright  Source  of  all.  Congreve. 

Companion  none  is  like 

Unto  the  mind  alone, 
For  many  have  been  harmed  by  speech, — 

Through  thinking,  few,  or  none. 
Fear  oftentimes  restraineth  words, 

But  makes  not  thoughts  to  cease ; 
And  he  speaks  best,  that  hath  the  skill 

When  for  to  hold  his  peace. 
Our  wealth  leaves  us  at  death, 

Our  kinsmen  at  the  grave, 
But  virtues  of  the  mind  unto 

The  heavens  with  us  we  have ; 
Wherefore,  for  virtue's  sake, 

I  can  be  well  content, 
The  sweetest  time  of  all  my  life 

To  deem  in  thinking  spent.  Lord  Vaux. 


THOUGHT.  601 


Thoughts  uncontrolled  and  unimpressed,  the  births 

Of  pure  election,  arbitrary  range, 

Not  to  the  limits  of  one  world  confined.  Young. 

O  ye,  whose  hours  in  jocund  train  advance, 

Whose  spirits  to  the  song  of  gladness  dance, 

Who  flowery  fields  in  endless  view  survey, 

GUttering  in  beams  of  visionary  day  ; 

O  yet  while  Fate  delays  th'  impending  blow, 

Be  roused  to  thought,  anticipate  the  woe  ; 

Lest,  like  the  lightning's  glance,  the  sudden  ill 

Flash  to  confound,  and  penetrate  to  kill.  Beattie. 

O  reader,  had  you  in  your  mind, 

Such  stores  as  silent  thought  can  bring, 

O  gentle  reader,  you  would  find 

A  tale  in  everything.  Wordsworth. 

Lulled  in  the  countless  chambers  of  the  brain, 

Our  thoughts  are  linked  by  many  a  hidden  chain. 

Awake  but  one,  and  lo !  what  myriads  rise  ! 

Each  stamps  its  image  as  the  other  flies ! 

Each,  as  the  various  avenues  of  sense, 

Delight  or  sorrow  to  the  soul  dispense, 

Frightens  or  fades  ;  yet  all,  with  magic  art, 

Control  the  latent  fibres  of  the  heart.  Sogers. 

God  is  great  and  right ! 
He  crowned  man's  brow  with  radiant  orbs  of  light — 
Light  which  inspires  all  abstracts,  and  prints 
On  each  twin  lens  all  images  and  tints. 
To  contract,  brings  the  world  beyond  our  span, 
And  makes  the  farthest  star  converse  with  man; 
To  read  His  works,  God  tjius  illumed  the  head, 
But  made  man's  breast  no  window  to  be  read. 
Glory  to  God;  though  given  to  King  and  Pope, 
To  seal  our  eyes,  our  bosoms  none  can  ope ; 
There  still  shall  freedom  one  asylum  find : 
Go  to,  make  creeds  and  laws  to  scourge  mankind ; 
Enthral  them,  hand  and  foot,  and  sight  and  speech, 
Thought  only,  thought  is  barred  beyond  your  reach  ; 


602  THOUGHT. 


What  racks  can  bind  ?  or  what  research  unveil 
The  soul,  with  flesh  encompassed  as  a  mail 
Of  proof,  impervious,  save  to  God  alone, 
Defies  her  labours,  and  resumes  her  own. 
Whether  she  break  communion  with  the  tongue 
And  bid  it  mock  you  with  the  lie  you  wrung, 
Or  scorning  such  degenerate  use  of  breath, 
Escape  with  truth,  and  leave  you  dust  and  death. 

Nicholas  Thorning  Moile. 

Think' st  thou  to  be  concealed,  thou  little  thought, 

That  in  the  curtained  chamber  of  the  soul 
Dost  wrap  thyself  so  close,  and  dream  to  do 

A.  secret  work  ?     Look  to  the  hues  that  roll 
O'er  the  changed  brow — the  moving  lips  behold — 

Linking  thee  unto  speech — the  feet  that  run 
Upon  thy  errands,  and  the  deeds  that  stamp 

Thy  lineage  plain  before  the  noon-day  sun  ; 
Look  to  the  pen  that  writes  thy  history  down 

In  those  tremendous  books  that  ne'er  unclose 
Until  the  day  of  doom,  and  blush  to  see 

How  vain  thy  trust  in  darkness  to  repose, 
Where  all  things  tend  to  judgment.     So  beware, 
O,  erring  human  heart !  what  thought  thou  lodgest 

there.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 

Methought  I  heard  a  reverend  old  man  speak; 

Grey  were  his  locks,  his  eyes  were  calmly  bright, 
The  rosiness  of  youth  was  on  his  cheek, 

And,  as  he  spoke,  a  heaven  of  truth  and  light 

Open'd  itself  upon  my  inner  sight ; 
While,  banish'd  by  his  accents  soft  and  meek, 

Dissolve  itself  in  holy  harmony. 
Then  to  the  old  man,  doubtfully,  I  said, 
"Yet  in  the  world  these  evils  are  not  dead !" 
But,  confidently,  thus  he  gave  reply — 
"As  in  my  thoughts,  so  in  the  world  they  lie." — 
And  with  these  words  he  rais'd  his  drooping  head. 

J.  Gostich. 

Free  from  guile,  and  free  from  sin, 

May  the  thoughts  my  breast  within, 

Gracious  God,  Thy  favour  win !  Egone. 


TIDINGS. 


TIDINGS. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord. 

He  shall  not  be  afraid  of   evil  tidings:   his  heart    is   fixed,  trusting 
in  tin    Lord.— Psalm  cxii.  1,  7. 

And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shepherds  abiding  in  the  field, 
keepin.:  watch  over  their  flock  by  night. 

And  the  angel  said  unto  them,  Fear  not :   for   behold   I  bring  you 
good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people. — Luke,  ii.  8,  10. 

The  tidings  which  that  infant  brings, 

Are  not  for  conquerors,  or  for  kings  : 

Not  for  the  sceptre  or  the  brand, 

For  crowned  head,  or  red  right  hand. 

But  to  the  contrite  and  the  meek, 

The  sinful,  sorrowful,  and  weak  : 

Or  those  who,  with  a  hope  sublime, 

Are  waiting  for  the  Lord's  good  time. 

Only  for  those  the  angels  sing, 

"All  glory  to  our  new-born  King, 

And  peace  and  good-will  unto  men, 

Hosanna  to  our  God !     Amen!"         Miss  Landon. 

Sent  from  the  ark,  the  dove,  with  timid  flight, 

Strove  through  the  storms,  yet  found  not  where  to  light ; 

Pursued  by  winds  o'er  restless  ocean's  roar, 

Back  to  the  flood-tossed  crew  no  leaf  she  bore  : 

So  through  the  past  man's  tempest-driven  mind, 

Sent  fancy  forth  some  resting-place  to  find ; 

O'er  bush,  tree,  hill,  she  winged  her  trackless  way, 

Nor  foothold  found  her  weary  flight  to  stay  ; 

Back  o'er  the  sea  on  terror-haunted  air, 

She  flew,  to  tell  the  tidings  of  despair  ; 

Again  she  flies  for  fairer  forms  to  seek, 

And  lo  !  the  olive  borne  upon  her  beak  ! 

Hear  her  glad  news, — she  rested  on  the  tomb, 

Saw  the  dawn  break,  and  flit  the  ancient  gloom! 

Through  night  she  swept,  and  heard  the  gentle  fall 

Of  angel  footsteps  in  its  silent  hall ; 

Upborne  from  earth,  in  strong  and  joyous  flight, 

Fearless  she  sought  the  empyrean  height, 

Gazed  on  the  source  whence  pours  the  living  ray. 

On  earth's  time-shadows,  God's  eternal  day. 

John  Brooks  Fellon. 


604  TIME. 


TIME. 

O  LORD,  Thou  art  my  God :   my  limes  are  in   Thy  hand.— Psalm 
xxxi.  14,  15. 

It  is  time  to  seek  the  Lord. — Hosea,  x.  12. 

It  shall  come  to  pass  that  at  evening  time  it  shall  be  light.— Zechariah 
xiv.  7. 

But  this  I  say,  brethren,  the  time  is  short. — I.  Corinthians,  vii.  29. 

Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time :  behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salva- 
tion.— II.  Corinthians,  vi.  2. 

And  the  angel  which  I  saw  stand  upon  the  sea  and  upon  the  earth, 
lifted  up  his  hand  to  heaven, 

And  sware  by  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever,  that  there  should 
be  time  no  longer.— Revelation,  x.  5,  6. 


Like  as  the  waves  make  towards  the  pebbled  shore, 

So  do  our  minutes  hasten  to  their  end ; 
Each  changing  place  with  that  which  goes  before, 

In  sequent  toil  all  forwards  do  contend. 
Nativity  once  in  the  main  of  light, 

Crawls  to  maturity,  wherewith  being  crown'd, 
Crooked  eclipses  'gainst  his  glory  fight, 

And  time  that  gave,  doth  now  his  gift  confound. 
Time  doth  transfix  the  flourish  set  on  youth, 

And  delves  the  parallels  in  beauty's  brow ; 
Feeds  on  the  rarities  of  nature's  truth, 

And  nothing  stands  but  for  his  scythe  to  mow. 

Shakspere. 

Misshapen  time,  copesmate  of  ugly  night ; 
Swift  subtle  post,  carrier  of  grisly  care  ; 

Eater  of  youth,  false  slave  to  false  delight, 

Base  watch  of  woes,  sin's  pack-horse,  virtue's  snare : 
Thou  nursest  all,  and  murderest  all  that  are. 

Shakspere. 

Time's  glory  is  to  calm  contending  kings, 
To  unmask  falsehood,  and  bring  truth  to  light ; 

To  stamp  the  seal  of  time  on  aged  things, 
To  wake  the  morn,  and  sentinel  the  night, 
To  wrong  the  wronger,  till  he  render  right. 

Shakspere. 


TIME.  605 

Time  is  so  swift  that  none  can  match  his  course, — 
Time  is  so  strong  that  none  can  match  his  force : 
Like  to  a  thiefe  Time  stealingly  doth  haste  ; 
No  man  can  call  Time  backe  when  Time  is  past. 

Time  is  as  swift  as  thought — the  swift'st-wing'd  swallow 

Cannot  endure  the  flight  of  Time  to  follow : 

Time  is  of  the  Ubiquitaries'  race, — 

Time  s  here.  Time 's  there.  Time  is  in  every  place ; 

Time  is  divided  in  a  three-fold  sum, 

Time  past,  Time  present,  and  the  Time  to  come. 

A  present  Time  I  presently  intreat, 

For  therein  lies  the  sum  of  my  conceit, 

For  Time  (once  past)  can  never  be  recall'd, 

And  therefore  2mm  is  figured  to  be  bald. 

"Peter  Small. 
Fly,  envious  Time,  till  thou  run  out  thy  race, 

Call  on  the  lazy  leaden-stepping  hours, 
Whose  speed  is  but  the  heavy  plummet's  pace, 

And  glut  thyself  with  what  thy  womb  devours, 
Which  is  no  more  than  what  is  false  and  vain, 
And  merely  mortal  dross  ; 
So  little  is  our  loss, 
So  little  is  our  gain. 

For  when  as  each  thing  bad  thou  hast  entomb'd, 
And  last  of  all  thy  greedy  self  consum'd, 
Then  long  eternity  shall  greet  our  bliss 
With  an  individual  kiss  ; 
And  joy  shall  overtake  us  as  a  flood, 
And  perfectly  divine, 

With  truth,  and  peace,  and  love,  shall  ever  shine, 
About  the  supreme  throne 
Of  Him,  to  whose  happy-making  sight  alone, 
When  once  our  heavenly-guided  soul  shall  climb, 

Then  all  this  earthly  grossness  quit, 

Attir'd  with  stars,  we  shall  for  ever  sit 
Triumphing  over  Death,   and   Chance,   and    thee,   O 
J)  me!  Milton. 

Throw  years  away  ! 
Throw  empires,  and  be  blameless.     Moments  seize 
Heavens  on  their  wing :  a  moment  we  may  wish, 
When  worlds  want  wealth  to  buy.  Young. 


606  TIME. 

O  Time !  than  gold  more  sacred ;  more  a  load 
Than  lead  to  fools,  and  fools  reputed  wise. 
What  moment  granted  man  without  account  ? 
What  years  are  squandered,  wisdom's  debt  unpaid ! 
Our  wealth  in  days  all  due  to  that  discharge. 

Young. 
Time  as  he  passes  us,  has  a  dove's  wing, 
Unroil'd  and  swift,  and  of  a  silken  sound  ; 
But  the  World's  Time,  is  Time  in  masquerade ! 
Theirs,  should  I  paint  him,  has  his  pinions  fledged, 
With  motley  plumes  ;  and  where  the  peacock  shews 
His  azure  eyes,  is  tinctured  black  and  red 
With  spots  quadrangular  of  diamond  form, 
Ensanguined  hearts,  clubs  typical  of  strife, 
And  spades,  the  emblems  of  untimely  graves. 

Cotvper. 
"Why  sits  thou  by  that  ruin'd  hall, 

Thou  aged  carle  so  stern  and  grey  ? 
Dost  thou  its  former  pride  recall, 

Or  ponder  how  it  pass'd  away  ?" 

"Know'st  thou  not  me  ?"  the  deep  voice  cried, 

"So  long  enjoyed,  so  oft  misused — 
Alternate,  in  thy  fickle  pride, 

Desired,  neglected,  and  accused? 

Before  my  breath,  like  smoking  flax, 

Man  and  his  marvels  pass  away, 
And  changing  empires  wane  and  wax, 

Are  founded,  flourish,  and  decay. 

Redeem  mine  hours — the  space  is  brief 
While  in  my  glass  the  sand-grains  shiver, 

And  measureless  thy  joy  or  grief, 

When  time  and  thou  shalt  part  for  ever!" 

Sir  Walter  Scott. 

Time  speeds  away — away — away  : 
Another  hour — another  day — 
Another  month — another  year — 
Drop  from  us  like  the  leaflet  sear; 
Drop  like  the  life-blood  from  our  hearts ; 
The  rose-bloom  from  the  cheek  departs, 
The  tresses  from  the  temples  fall, 
The  eye  grows  dim  and  strange  to  all. 


TIME.  607 

Time  speeds  away — away — away, 

Like  torrent  in  a  stormy  day  ; 

He  undermines  the  stately  tower, 

Uproots  the  tree,  and  snaps  the  flower  ; 

And  sweeps  from  our  distracted  breast 

The  friends  that  loved — the  friends  that  blest ; 

And  leaves  us  weeping  on  the  shore, 

To  which  they  can  return  no  more. 

Time  speeds  away — away — away  : 

No  eagle  through  the  skies  of  day, 

No  wind  along  the  hills  can  flee 

So  swiftly  or  so  smooth  as  he. 

Like  fiery  steed — from  stage  to  stage, 

He  bears  us  on  from  youth  to  age  ; 

Then  plunges  in  the  fearful  sea 

Of  fathomless  eternity.  Knox. 

Time,  as  he  courses  onwards,  still  unrolls 

The  volume  of  concealment.     In  the  future, 

As  in  the  optician's  glassy  cylinder, 

The  undistinguishable  blots  and  colours 

Of  the  dim  past  collect  and  shape  themselves, 

Upstarting  in  their  own  completed  image 

To  scare,  or  to  reward.  Coleridge. 

And  who  is  he,  the  vast,  the  awful  form, 
Girt  with  the  whirlwind,  sandalled  with  the  storm  ? 
A  western  cloud  around  his  limbs  is  spread, 
His  crown  a  rainbow,  and  a  sun  his  head, 
To  highest  Heaven  he  lifts  his  kingly  hand, 
And  treads  at  once  the  ocean  and  the  land ; 
And  hark !  His  voice  amid  the  thunder's  roar, 
His  dreadful  voice — that  time  shall  be  no  more ! 

Bishop  Heber 
I  ask'd  an  aged  man,  a  man  of  cares, 
Wrinkled,  and  curved,  and  white  with  hoary  hairs  ; 
"  Time  is  the  warp  of  life,"  he  said,  "Oh,  tell 
The  young,  the  fair,  the  gay,  to  weave  it  well!" 
I  ask'd  the  ancient,  venerable  dead, 
Sages  who  wrote,  and  warriors  who  bled ; 
From  the  cold  grave  a  hollow  murmur  flow'd, 
"  Time  sow'd  the  seed  we  reap  in  this  abode !" 


608  TIME. 

I  ask'd  a  dying  sinner,  ere  the  tide 

Of  life  had  left  his  veins. — "  Time  /"  he  replied  ; 

"I  Ve  lost  it!  ah,  the  treasure  !"  and  he  died. 

I  ask'd  the  golden  sun  and  silver  spheres, 

Those  bright  chronometers  of  days  and  years  ; 

They  answered,  "  Time  is  but  a  meteor  glare," 

And  bade  us  for  Eternity  prepare. 

I  ask'd  the  Seasons,  in  their  annual  round, 

Which  beautify  or  desolate  the  ground ; 

And  they  replied,  (no  oracle  more  wise,) 

"'Tis  folly's  blank,  and  wisdom's  highest  prize!" 

I  ask'd  a  spirit  lost,  but  oh,  the  shriek 

That  pierc'd  my  soul !  I  shudder  while  I  speak  ! 

It  cried,  "a  particle  !  a  speck  !  a  mite 

Of  endless  years,  duration  infinite!" 

Of  things  inanimate,  my  dial  I 

Consulted,  and  it  made  me  this  reply — 

"  Time  is  the  season  fair  of  living  well, 

The  path  of  glory,  or  the  path  of  hell !" 

I  ask'd  my  Bible,  and  methinks  it  said, 

"  Time  is  the  present  hour,  the  past  is  fled ; 

Live  !  live  to-day  !  to-morrow  never  yet 

On  any  living  being  rose  or  set !" 

I  ask'd  old  Father  Time  himself  at  last ; 

But  in  a  moment  he  flew  swiftly  past : — 

His  chariot  was  a  cloud,  the  viewless  wind 

His  noiseless  steeds,  which  left  no  trace  behind. 

I  ask'd  a  mighty  angel,  who  shall  stand 

One  foot  on  sea,  and  one  on  solid  land : 

"By  Heaven,"  he  cried,  "I  swear  the  mystery's  o'er; 

Time  was,"  he  cried,  "but  Time  shall  be  no  more  !" 

Joshua  Marsden. 

O  Time  !  the  fatal  wreck  of  mortal  things, 

That  draws  oblivion's  curtains  over  kings. 

Their  sumptuous  monuments,  men  know  them  not, 

Their  names  without  a  record,  are  forgot, 

Their  parts,  their  ports,  their  pomp's  all  laid  i'  the  dust, 

Nor  wit,  nor  gold,  nor  buildings,  'scape  Times  rust ; 

But  he  whose  name  is  'graved  in  the  white  stone, 

Shall  last  and  shine  when  all  of  these  are  gone. 

Mrs.  Anne  Bradstreet. 


TIMF.  609 

Be  silent  and  still,  for  his  end  drawetk  near, 

And  watch  with  a  quivering  breath; 
No  mortal  eye  beheld  his  birth, 

But  all  shall  behold  his  death, 
For  the  nations  from  every  land  and  clime 
Shall  gather  to  gaze  on  the  close  of  Time. 

The  Moon  shall  look  down  with  a  tearful  eye, 

And  the  Sun  shall  withhold  his  fire, 
And  the  hoary  Earth,  all  parched  and  dry, 

Shall  flame  for  his  funeral  pyre, 
When  the  Angel,  that  standeth  on  earth  and  shore, 
Proclaimeth  that  "Time  shall  be  no  more!" 

Edward  PolloJ:. 


O,  God  of  times,  and  yet,  in  time  a  man  ! 
Before  all  times  thy  time  of  being  was  ; 

And  yet  in  time  thy  human  birth  began, 

Lest  we  should  fade,  untimely,  like  the  grass, — 
Thou  that  hast  said  thy  word  should  never  pass, 

And  thou  that  dost  all  times  begin  and  end, — 

Vouchsafe  thy  comfort  to  my  sad  soul  send. 

G.  Ellis. 


A  moment  is  a  mighty  thing, 
Beyond  the  soul's  imagining, 
For  in  it,  though  we  trace  it  not, 
How  much  there  crowds  of  varied  lot ! 
How  much  of  life,  life  cannot  see, 
Darts  onward  to  eternity  ! 
"While  vacant  hours  of  beauty  roll 
Their  magic  o'er  some  yielded  soul, 
Ah !  little  do  the  happy  guess 
The  sum  of  human  wretchedness ; 
Or  dream,  amid  the  soft  farewell 

That  time  of  them  is  taking, 
How  frequent  mourns  the  funeral  knell, 

What  noble  heart  is  breaking, 
While  myriads  to  their  tombs  descend 
Without  a  mourner,  creed,  or  friend ! 

R.  Montgomery. 
2  B 


610  TO-DAY. 


TO-DAY— TO-MORROW. 

Boast  not  thyself  of  to-morrow,  for  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day 
may  bring  forth. — Proverbs,  xxvii.  1. 

Ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.— James,  iv.  14. 

To-day  is  yesterday  returned;  returned 

Full-powered  to  cancel,  expiate,  raise,  adorn, 

And  reinstate  us  on  the  rock  of  peace. 

Let  it  not  share  its  predecessors'  fate  ; 

Nor,  like  its  elder  sisters,  die  a  fool.  Young. 

At  thirty  man  suspects  himself  a  fool, 

Knows  it  at  forty,  and  reforms  his  plan ; 

At  fifty  chides  his  infamous  delay, 

Pushes  his  prudent  purpose  to  resolve. 

In  all  the  magnanimity  of  thought 

Resolves  and  re-resolves,  then  dies  the  same. 

In  human  hearts  what  bolder  thought  can  rise 

Than  man's  presumption  on  to-morroic's  dawn. 

Where  is  to-morrow  ?  in  another  world. 

And  yet  on  this  perhaps,  this  peradventure, 

(Infamous  for  lies)  as  on  a  rock  of  adamant 

We  build  our  mountain  hopes,  spin  our  eternal  schemes, 

And  big  with  life's  futurities  expire.  Young. 

To-morrow  you  will  live,  you  always  cry, 
In  what  far  country  does  this  morrow  lie, 
That  't  is  so  mighty  long  ere  it  arrive  ? 
Beyond  the  Indies  does  this  morrow  live? 
'T  is  so  far  fetch'd  this  morrow,  that  I  fear 
'T  will  be  both  very  old  and  very  dear. 
To-morrow  I  will  live,  the  fool  does  say ; 
To-day  itself's  too  late,  the  wise  lived  yesterday. 

Cowley. 
To-morrow  I 
That  fatal  mistress  of  the  young,  the  lazy, 
The  coward  and  the  fool,  condemned  to  lose 
An  useless  life  in  waiting  for  to-morrow, 
Till  interposing  death  destroys  the  prospect : 
Strange  !  that  this  general  fraud,  from  day  to  day, 
Should  fill  the  world  with  wretches  undetected. 

Dr.  Johnson. 


TO-DAY.  611 


To-morrow  then  begins  the  task,  you  say  : 
Alas  !  you'll  act  to-morrow  as  to-day  : 
What?  is  one  day,  (you  cry,)  too  much  to  ask? 
Trust  me  to-morrow  shall  commence  the  task. 
But  think,  ere  yet  to-morrow's  dawn  come  on, 
Our  yesterday's  to-morrow  will  be  gone. 
Thus,  while  the  present  from  the  future  borrows, 
To-morrows  slowly  creep  upon  to-morrows, 
Till  months  and  years  behold  the  task  undone, 
Which,  still  beginning,  never  is  begun. 
Just  as  the  hinder  of  two  chariot  wheels 
Still  presses  closely  on  its  fellow's  heels ; 
So  flies  to-morrow,  while  you  fly  so  fast, 
For  ever  following,  and  for  ever  last. 

Howes,  from  Persius. 

To-morrow,  didst  thou  say? 

Methought  I  heard  Horatio  say,  To-morrow. 

Go  to — I  will  not  hear  of  it — To-morrow  ! 

'Tis  a  sharper,  who  stakes  his  penury 

Against  thy  plenty — who  takes  thy  ready  cash, 

And  pays  thee  nought  but  wishes,  hopes,  and  promises, 

The  currency  of  idiots — injurious  bankrupt, 

That  gulls  the  easy  creditor! — To-morrow  ! 

It  is  a  period  .nowhere  to  be  found 

In  all  the  hoary  registers  of  Time, 

Unless  perchance  in  the  fool's  calender. 

Wisdom  disclaims  the  word,  nor  holds  society 

With  those  who  own  it.     No,  my  Horatio, 

'Tis  Fancy's  child,  and  folly  is  its  father; 

Wrought  of  such  stuff  as  dreams  are,  and  as  baseless 

As  the  fantastic  visions  of  the  evening.  Cotton. 

As  Time  glides  on  in  silent  flow, 

To-day  yields  to  to-morrow  ; 
To-morrow 's  expectations  grow 

To-day's  own  bliss  or  sorrow. 

Still,  as  to-morroivs  sun  appears, 

It  shines  upon  to-day  ; 
So,  realized,  our  hopes  and  fears 

For  ever  melt  away.  Anon. 


612  TONGUE. 


TONGUE. 

THE  tongue  of  the  wise  usetli  knowledge  aright  :  but  the  mouth  of 
fools  poureth  out  foolishness. 

A  wholesome  tongue  is  a  tree  of  life :  but  perverseness  therein  is  a 
breach  in  the  spirit.— Proverbs,  xv.  2,  4. 

The  tongue  is  a  little  member,  and  boasteth  great  things.  Behold, 
how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kmdleth! 

And  the  tongue  is  a  fire,  a  world  of  iniquity :  so  is  the  tongue  among 
our  members,  that  it  defileth  the  whole  body,  and  setteth  on  fire  the 
course  of  nature ;  and  it  is  set  on  fire  of  hell. 

The  tongue  can  no  man  tame;  it  is  an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly 
poison. 

Therewith  bless  we  God,  even  the  Father;  and  therewith  curse  we 
men,  which  are  made  after  the  similitude  of  God. 

Out  of  the  same  mouth  proceedeth  blessing  and  cursing.  My  brethren, 
these  things  ought  not  so  to  be.— James,  hi.  5,  6,  8,  9,  10. 

The  man 
In  whom  this  spirit  entered,  was  undone. 
His  tongue  was  set  on  fire  of  hell,  his  heart 
Was  black  as  death,  his  legs  were  faint  with  haste 
To  propagate  the  lie  his  soul  had  framed. 

Pollolc, 
Sacred  interpreter  of  human  thought, 
How  few  respect,  or  use  thee  as  they  ought ! 
But  all  shall  give  account  of  every  wrong, 
Who  dare  dishonour  or  defile  the  tongue; 
Who  prostitute  it  in  the  cause  of  vice, 
Or  sell  their  glory  at  the  market  price !  Cowper. 

Nor  did  the  pulpit's  oratory  fail 
To  achieve  its  higher  triumph. — Not  unfelt 
Were  its  admonishments,  nor  lightly  heard 
The  awful  truths,  delivered  thence  by  tongues 
Endowed  with  various  power  to  search  the  soul. 

Wordsworth. 
From  idle  words  that  restless  throng, 

And  haunt  our  hearts  when  we  would  pray, 
Erom  pride's  false  chime,  and  jarring  wrong, 

Seal  Thou  my  lips,  and  guard  the  way : 
For  Thou  hast  sworn  that  every  ear, 
Willing,  or  loth,  Thy  trump  shall  hear, 
And  every  tongue  unchained  be, 
To  own  no  hope,  O  God,  but  Thee.  Keble. 


TREASUBE.  613 


TREASURE. 

Treasures  of  wickedness  profit  nothing:   bnt  righteousness  deli- 
vereth  from  death. — Proverbs,  x.  3. 

Lay  not  np  for  yourselves    treasures  upon   earth,  where  moth   and 
rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  break  through  and  steal : 

But  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven  : 

For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart  be  also.— Matthew, 
vi.  19,  20,  21. 

He  is  a  path,  if  any  be  misled ; 

He  is  a  robe,  if  any  naked  be; 

If  any  chance  to  hunger,  He  is  bread  j 

If  any  be  a  bondman,  He  is  free ; 

If  any  be  but  weak,  how  strong  is  He ! 

To  dead  men  life  He  is,  to  sick  men  health ; 
To  blind  men  sight,  and  to  the  needy,  wealth — 
A  pleasure  without  loss,  a  treasure  without  stealth. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

Not  to  understand  a  treasure's  worth 

Till  time  has  stolen  away  the  slighted  good, 

Is  cause  of  half  the  poverty  we  feel, 

And  makes  the  world  the  wilderness  it  is.  Cowper. 

Engage  this  roving  treacherous  heart, 

Great  God!  to  choose  the  better  part; 

To  scorn  the  trifles  of  a  day, 

Eor  joys  that  none  can  take  away. 

Then  let  the  wildest  storms  arise, 

Let  tempests  mingle  earth  and  skies  ; 

No  fatal  shipwreck  shall  I  fear, 

But  all  my  treasure  with  me  bear. 

If  Thou,  my  Jesus,  still  art  nigh, 

Cheerful  I  live,  and  cheerful  die; 

Secure,  when  mortal  comforts  flee, 

To  find  ten  thousand  worlds  in  Thee. 

Doddridge. 
Think'st  thou  the  man  whose  mansions  hold 
The  worldling's  pomp,  and  miser's  gold, 

Obtains  a  richer  prize 
Than  he,  who,  in  his  cot  at  rest, 
Finds  heavenly  peace  a  willing  guest, 
And  bears  the  promise  in  his  breast 

Of  treasure  in  the  skies.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 


614  TREASURE. 


What  are  tbey  ? — gold  and  silver, 

Or  what  such  ore  can  buy  ? 
The  price  of  silken  luxury — 

Rich  robes  of  Tyrian  dye  ? 
Guests  that  come  thronging  in 

With  lordly  pomp  and  state  ? 
Or  thankless  liveried  serving  men, 

To  stand  about  the  gate  ? 

Or  are  they  daintiest  meats, 

Sent  up  on  silver  fine  ? 
Or  golden  cups  o'er  brimm'd 

With  rich  Falernian  wine  ? 
Or  parchments,  setting  forth 

Broad  lands  our  fathers  held  ? 
Parks  for  our  deer,  ponds  for  our  fish, 

And  woods  that  may  be  fell'd  ? 

No,  no !  they  are  Dot  these  !  or  else 

G-od  help  the  poor  man's  need  ! 
Then,  sitting  'mid  his  little  ones, 

He  would  be  poor  indeed ! 
They^  are  not  these — our  household  wealth 

Belongs  not  to  degree  : 
It  is  the  love  within  our  souls — 

The  children  at  our  knee  ! 

My  heart  o'erfloweth  to  mine  eyes 

When  I  see  the  poor  man  stand, 
After  his  daily  work  is  done, 

With  children  by  the  hand  : — 
And  this  he  kisseth  tenderly, 

And  that  sweet  names  doth  call ; 
For  I  know  he  has  no  treasure 

Like  those  dear  children  small ! 

Oh,  children  young,  I  bless  ye ! 

Ye  keep  such  love  alive ! 
And  the  home  can  ne'er  be  desolate 

Where  love  ha3  room  to  thrive ! 
Oh,  precious  household  treasures, 

Life's  sweetest,  holiest  claim — 
The  Saviour  bless'd  ye  while  on  earth — 

I  bless  ye  in  His  name !  Mary  Howitt. 


TREE.  615 

TREE. 

The  trees  of  the  Lord  are  full  of  sap;  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  which 
He  hath  planted.  -Psalm  dr.  16. 

And  now  atoo  the  axe  is  laid  unto  the  root  of  the  trees:  therefore 
every  tree  which  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  is  hewn  down  and 
cast  into  the  tire.   -Matthew,  iii.  10. 

Every  good  tree  bringeth  forth  good  fruit ;  but  a  corrupt  tree  bring- 
eth forth  evil  fruit.— Matthew,  xii.  17. 

A  tree  was  first  the  instrument  of  strife, 

When  Eve  to  sin  her  soul  did  prostitute  ; 
A  tree  is  now  the  instrument  of  life, 

Though  ill  that  trunk,  and  Christ's  fair  body  suit ; 
Ah,  cursed  tree  !  and  yet,  oh,  blessed  fruit ! 
That  death  to  Him,  this  life  to  us  doth  give : 
Strange  is  the  cure  when  things  past  cure  revive, 
And  the  physician  dies  to  make  his  patient  live. 

Giles  Fletcher. 
Like  crowded  forest  trees  we  stand, 

And  some  are  marked  to  fall : 
The  axe  shall  smite,  at  God's  command, 
And  soon  shall  smite  us  all. 

Green  as  the  bay  tree,  ever  green, 

With  its  new  foliage  on, 
The  gay,  the  thoughtless  have  I  seen ; 

I  passed,  and  they  were  gone.  Cowper. 

Of  all  the  trees  that  in  earth's  vineyard  grow, 

And  with  their  clusters  tempted  man  to  pull 

And  eat,  one  tree  alone  the  true 

Celestial  manna  bore,  which  filled  the  soul. 

The  tree  of  holiness,  of  heavenly  seed, 

A  native  of  the  skies,  though  stunted  made, 

And  dwarfed  by  time's  cold,  damp,  ungenial  soil, 

And  chilling  winds,  yet  yielding  fruit  so  pure, 

So  nourishing  and  sweet,  as  on  his  way 

Refreshed  the  pilgrim  ;  and  begot  desire 

Unquenchable,  to  climb  the  arduous  path 

To  where  her  sister  plants,  in  their  own  clime, 

Around  the  fount  and  by  the  stream  of  life, 

Blooming  beneath  the  sun  that  never  sets, 

Bear  fruit  of  perfect  relish  fully  ripe.  Pollok. 


616  TREE. 

God  spake  :  the  bills  and  plains  put  on 

Their  robe  of  freshest  green ; 
Dark  forest  in  the  valleys  wave, 

And  budding  trees  are  seen. 
The  word  of  His  breath  clothes  the  forest  with  leaves, 
The  high  gift  of  beauty  the  spring-tide  receives. 

Krummacher, 

I  heard  the  language  of  the  trees, 

In  the  noons  of  the  early  summer; 
As  the  leaves  were  moved  like  rippling  seas 

By  the  wind — a  constant  comer. 
It  came  and  it  went  at  its  wanton  will ; 

And  evermore  loved  to  dally, 
With  branch  and  flower,  from  the  cope  of  the  hill 

To  the  warm  depths  of  the  valley. 
Tbe  sunlight  glow'd  ;  the  water  flow'd  ; 

The  birds  their  music  chanted, 
And  the  words  of  the  trees  on  my  senses  fell — 

By  a  spirit  of  Beauty  haunted  : — 
Said  each  to  each,  in  mystic  speech : — 

"The  skies  our  branches  nourish; — 
The  world  is  good, — the  world  is  fair, — 

Let  us  enjoy  and  flourish  !" 

Again  I  heard  the  steadfast  trees  ; 

The  wintry  winds  were  blowing ; 
There  seem'd  a  roar  as  of  stormy  seas. 

And  of  ships  to  the  depths  down-going. 
And  ever  a  moan  through  the  woods  was  blown, 

As  the  branches  snapp'd  asunder, 
And  the  long  boughs  swung  like  the  frantic  arms 

Of  a  crowd  in  affright  and  wonder, 
Heavily  rattled  the  driving  hail ; 

And  storm  and  flood  combining, 
Laid  bare  the  roots  of  mighty  oaks 

Under  the  shingle  twining. 
Said  tree  to  tree,  "These  tempests  free 

Our  sap  and  strength  shall  nourish ; 
Though  the  world  be  hard— though  the  world  be  cold — 

We  can  endure  and  flourish." 

Charles  Mackay. 


TREMBLING.  617 


TREMBLING. 

Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoioe  with  trembling.  -Psalni  ii.  11. 

Fear  ye  not  me?  saith  the  Lord  :  will  ye  Hot  trt  rribh  at  my  presence? 
—Jeremiah,  v.  22. 

Eternal  Lord  of  light  and  life  ;  the  soul 

Of  nature  and  the  Deity  of  all, 
Whose  spirit  bending  o'er  the  wondrous  whole, 

Suffers  unwill'd,  no  flower  or  bird  to  fall : 
Can  the  proud  eye  look  upwards  to  yon  dome, 

Or  view  the  rich  array  spread  forth  below, 
And  not  feel  pledges  of  a  dearer  home, 

That  make  the  bosom  leap,  the  spirit  glow, 
And  stretch  its  hopes  far  into  eternity, 
Till,  like  the  Patriarch's  dove,  it  rests,  great  Lord  on 
Thee. 

On  Thee,  its  ark  of  perfect  holiness, 

With  tokens  of  its  everlasting  peace, 
And  certainty  of  fadeless  joy  to  bless 

It  in  a  higher  state  when  time  shall  cease, 
The  stars  shall  burn  ;  those  living  orbs  were  fed 

With  pure  effulgence  from  Thy  vital  ray, 
To  light  us  deep  into  Thy  essence,  shed 

Abroad  through  earth  and  air  by  night  and  day  : 
Fill'd  with  that  glory  would  my  spirit  soar, 
And,  although  trembling,  yet  exultingly,  adore. 

W.  Martin. 

Ye  trembling  souls  dismiss  your  fears, 

Be  mercy  all  your  theme  ; 
Mercy,  which  like  a  river  flows, 

In  one  perpetual  stream ! 

Fear  not  the  powers  of  earth  and  hell, 

God  will  those  powers  restrain ; 
His  arm  shall  all  their  rage  repel 

And  make  their  efforts  vain ! 

Fear  not  that  he  will  e'er  forsake, 

Or  leave  His  work  undone ; 
He  's  faithful  to  his  promises, 

And  faithful  to  His  Son !  Beddome. 


618 


TRIAL. 


Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart :  trrj  me,  and  know  my 
thoughts. — Psalm  cxxxix.  23. 

The  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much  more  precious  than  of  gold  that 
perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise  and 
honour  and  glory  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ. — I.  Peter,  i.  7. 

Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concerning  the  fiery  trial  which  is  to 
try  you,  as  though  some  strange  thing  happened  unto  you.— I.  Peter 
iv.  12. 

Lest  our  trial,  when  least  sought, 

May  find  us  both  perhaps  far  less  prepared. 

Milton. 
Within  our  life  these  sorrows  we  contain 

Uncertain  days,  yet  full  of  certain  grief; 
In  number  few,  yet  infinite  in  pain; 

O'ercharged  with  wants,  but  naked  of  relief, 
In  ruling  it  our  evil  parts  are  chief; 

And  though  our  time  be  not  cut  short  by  death, 
Old  age  will  creep  to  stop  uncertain  breath. 
Yet  to  the  much  affliction  of  the  mind, 
This  of  the  body  is  a  scant  compare, 
Wherein  so  many  and  so  much  I  find, 
As  would  astone  my  spirits  to  declare — 
Trial  can  only  tell  us  what  we  are : 
For  we  whom  custom  hath  with  grief  acquainted, 
By  us  her  sad  proportion  best  is  painted. 

Christopher  Lever,  1607. 

He  bids  him  glow  with  unremitting  love 
To  all  on  earth,  and  to  Himself  above 
Condemns  the  injurious  deed,  the  slanderous  tongue, 
The  thought  that  meditates  a  brother's  wrong  ; 
Brings  not  alone  the  more  conspicuous  part — 
His  conduct — to  the  test,  but  tries  his  heart. 

Coivper. 

Lord,  search  my  soul,  try  ev'ry  thought ; 

Though  my  own  heart  accuse  me  not 

Of  walking  in  a  false  disguise, 

I  beg  a  trial  of  Thine  eyes. 

Doth  secret  mischief  lurk  within? 

Do  I  indulge  some  unknown  sin  ? 

O  turn  my  feet  whene'er  I  stray, 

And  lead  me  in  Thy  perfect  way.  Watts. 


TRIBULATION.  619 


TRIBULATION. 

IX  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation. — John,  xvi.  B8. 

We  must  through  much  tribulation  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
—Acts,  xiv.  S3. 
Patient  in  tribulation. — Romans,  xii.  12. 

The  wisdom  of  this  world  is  idiotism  ; 

Strength,  a  weak  reed  ;  health,  sickness'  enemy; 

(And  it  at  length  will  have  the  victory  ;) 

Beauty  is  but  a  painting ;  and  long  life 

Is  a  long  journey  in  December  gone  : 

Tedious  and  full  of  tribulation.  Dekkar. 

Begone  unbelief,  my  Saviour  is  near, 

And  for  my  relief  will  surely  appear  ; 

By  prayer  let  me  wrestle,  and  He  will  perform  ; 

With  Christ  in  the  vessel,  I  smile  at  the  storm. 

His  love  in  time  past  forbids  me  to  think 

He  '11  leave  me  at  last  in  trouble  to  sink  ; 

Each  sweet  Ebenezer  I  have  in  review, 

Confirms  His  good  pleasure  to  help  me  quite  through. 

Why  should  I  complain  of  want  or  distress, 
Temptation  or  pain  ?  he  told  me  no  less ! 
The  heirs  of  salvation,  I  know  from  His  word, 
Through  much  tribulation  must  follow  their  Lord. 

Newton. 

Lo  !  round  the  throne,  a  glorious  band, 
The  saints,  in  countless  myriads,  stand ; 
Of  ev'ry  tongue,  redeem'd  to  God, 
Array'd  in  garments  wash'd  in  blood ! 

Through  tribulation  great  they  came  ; 

They  bore  the  cross,  despis'd  the  shame  ; 

But  now  from  all  their  labours  rest, 

In  God's  eternal  glory  bless'd.  Duncan. 

Thou  dost  conduct  Thy  people 

Through  torrents  of  temptation 
Nor  will  we  fear,  while  Thou  art  near, 

The  fire  of  tribulation.  De  Courcey. 


TRIUMPH. 


TRIUMPH. 

THEX  sang  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel  this  song  unto  the 
Lord,  and  spake,  saying,  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  He  hath 
triumphed  gloriously :  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into 
the  sea. — Exodus,  xt.  1. 

The  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  short. — Job,  xx.  5. 

Thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always  causeth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ. 
— II.  Corinthians,  ii.  14. 

Hail,  Thou !  that  on  this  glorious  morn  didst  burst 

The  bands  of  death !  all  hail,  incarnate  Lord ! 

First-born  of  heaven,  what  time  the  barren  grave 

With  wondrous  throes  gave  forth  Thy  present  flesh, 

In  all  its  incorruptible  array 

Of  majesty  and  light.     Triumphant  Lord, 

Who,  in  Thy  rising  power,  didst  captive  lead 

Captivity,  and  at  Thy  chariot  wheels 

The  vanquished  hosts  of  hell  didst  with  Thee  bring ! 

Hail,  conquering  King !     Almighty  Prince  of  Life ! 

First-fruits  of  those  that  sleep,  in  hope  assured 

Of  that  bright  morning,  when  the  trumpet's  sound 

Shall  wake  the  slumbering  dead,  when  from  the  tomb 

Thy  quickened  saints  shall  spring  to  swell  Thy  strain, 

Clad  in  immortal  bloom.     Thy  angel  bands 

Attend  Thee  up  the  skies  with  cheerful  notes ; 

We,  too,  responsive  cry  "Our  God  is  gone, 

Is  upward  gone."  S.  Stennet. 

Rejoice,  believer,  in  the  Lord, 

Who  makes  your  cause  His  own ; 
The  hope  that 's  built  upon  His  word, 

Can  ne'er  be  overthrown ! 

As  surely  as  He  overcame, 

And  triumph' d  once  for  you ; 
So  surely  you  that  love  His  name,1 

Shall  triumph  in  Him  too!  Newton. 

The  Lord  of  Lords  has  triumphed  gloriously. 

H.  S.  Milman. 
Humility  o'er  self  victorious, 
Of  earthly  triumphs  the  most  glorious. 

William  Peter. 


TROUBLE.  621 


TROUBLE. 

THK  Lord  hear  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble. — Psalm  xx.  1. 

In  the  day  of  my  trouhh'  I  will  call  upon  thee  :  for  thou  wilt  answer 
me. — Psalm  lxxxvi.  7. 

I  cried  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice;  with  my  voice  unto  the  Lord 
did  I  make  my  supplication. 

I  poured  out  my  complaint  before  him;    T   shewed   before  him  my 
trouhh-.     Psalm  cxlii.  1.  2. 

From  out  of  the  depths  of  misery  I  cry 
To  Thee  O  Lord,  and  that  most  earnestly, 
Prayers  intermixed  with  sighs  and  tears 
My  soul  sends  up  into  Thine  ears. 
I  pour  out  all  my  moan 
Before  Thee,  Thee  alone, 
And  for  relief 
Show  Thee  my  grief. 

Lord,  when  my  troubled  spirit  could  not  rest 
For  anguish  of  my  mind,  Thou  knowest  best 
What  way  to  help  me,  and  did  see 
A  path  through  all  to  set  me  free. 
Thy  foes,  and  mine,  do  lay 
Snares  for  me,  in  my  way 
One  did  privily 
In  ambush  lie. 

I  looked  on  every  side,  but  I  could  see 
None  who  would  know,  and  much  less  succour  me. 
My  friends  revolted  totally, 
On  whom  I  used  to  rely ; 
All  ways  to  'scape  by  flight 
Were  stopped,  and  shut  up  quite, 
And  none  did  care 
My  soul  to  spare. 

Thus  troubled ;  laid  on  wait  for ;  desolate ; 
Enclosed  around  ;  and  thus  disconsolate ; 
I  cried  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  said, 
Thou  art  my  hope,  my  help,  my  aid, 
The  rock  I  build  upon  ; 
My  lot,  my  portion, 
For  this  life,  and 
A  better  land.  Joseph  Bunyan. 


TROUBLE. 


When  the  heart  is  sore  smitten  by  sorrow, 

And  the  bosom  is  darksome  and  drear, 
And  when  bright  hope  no  longer  may  borrow 

A  smile  from  the  future  to  cheer ; 
And  the  eye  that  would  gaze  on  the  morrow, 

Is  constrain'd  to  gaze  on  through  a  tear — 
Even  then  there's  a  hope  that  can  brighten 

The  soul  in  its  darksome  abode, 
That  can  dry  up  its  sorrow,  and  lighten, 

The  weight  of  its  wearisome  load : 
'Tis  the  hope  which  no  joy  can  heighten, 

That  leads  it  to  trust  in  its  God. 

Though  the  world  to  our  griefs  may  be  ever 

Disdainful,  unkind,  and  unjust ; 
And  mankind  may  be  eager  to  sever 

The  links  of  our  holier  trust ; 
And  the  mighty  may  daily  endeavour 

To  tread  our  torn  hearts  in  the  dust, 
Still  thy  presence,  Lord,  cannot  be  taken 

From  those  that  all  faithful  will  be : 
Then  why  should  our  spirits  be  shaken  ? 

And  why  should  we  languish  to  flee  ? 
When  we  know  we  are  never  forsaken, 

In  the  midst  of  our  troubles,  by  Thee. 


W.  Martin. 


If  the  nation-feeding  corn 
Thriveth  under  iced  snow ; 

If  the  small  bird  on  the  thorn 
Useth  well  its  guarded  sloe ; 

Bid  thy  cares  thy  comforts  double, 

Gather  fruit  from  thorns  of  trouble. 


E.  Elliot. 


In  the  time  of  Grief  and  trouble, 

Then  we  call  upon  the  Lord, 
And  he  hears  our  supplication, 

Ever  faithful  to  his  word ; 
But  when  o'er  the  trouble  passeth, 

As  a  cloud  that  hid  the  sun, 
We  forget  the  hand  that  raised  us, 

Careless  of  the  blessing  won. 


Egone. 


TBrsT.  623 

TEUST. 

::  trust  in  chariots,  and  some  in  horses:  bat  we  will  remember 
the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God.  —  Psalm  x.\.  7. 

0  my  God,  I  trust  in  Thee :  let  me  not  be  ashamed,— Psalm  xxv.  •_>. 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  L  too  in  Him;   and  He  shall 

bring  it  to  pass.— Psalm  xxxvii.  6. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart :    and  lean   not  unto  thine 
own  understanding.— Proverbs,  iii.  ~>. 

But,  O,  the  soul  that  never  dies 

At  once  it  leaves  the  clay  ; 
Ye  thoughts  pursue  it  where  it  flies, 

And  track  its  wondrous  way. 

Up  to  the  courts  where  angels  dwell, 

It  mounts  triumphant  there ; 
Or  devils  plunge  it  down  to  hell, 

In  infinite  despair. 

And  must  my  body  faint  and  die  ? 

And  must  this  soul  remove  ? 
O  for  some  guardian  angel  high, 

To  bear  it  safe  above  ! 

Jesus,  to  Thy  dear  faithful  hand, 

My  naked  soul  I  trust ; 
And  my  flesh  waits  for  Thy  command, 

To  drop  into  the  dust.  Watts. 

Backsliding  Israel,  hear  the  voice 

Of  thy  forgiving  God ; 
£s"or  force  such  goodness  to  exert 

The  terrors  of  the  rod. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  "My  mercy  flows, 

An  unexhausted  stream ; 
And  after  all  its  millions  saved, 

Its  sway  is  still  supreme. 

Own  but  the  follies  thou  hast  done, 

And  mourn  thy  sins  in  dust, 
And  soon  thy  trembling  heart  shall  learn 

To  hope,  and  love,  and  trust.  Doddridge. 


624 


TEUST. 


Men  safelier  trust  to  Heaven  than  to  themselves 
When  least  themselves,  in  the  mad  whirl  of  crowds, 
Where  folly  is  contagions,  and,  too  oft, 
Even  wise  men  leave  their  better  sense  at  home, 
To  chide  and  wonder  at  them  when  returned. 

Coleridge. 


Frail  children  of  dust, 

And  feeble  as  frail, 
In  Thee  do  we  trust, 

Nor  find  Thee  to  fail ; 
Thy  mercies  how  tender, 

How  firm  to  the  end ! 
Our  Maker — Defender, 

Redeemer,  and  Friend. 

O  measureless  might ! 

Ineffable  love ! 
.While  angels  delight 

To  hymn  Thee  above, 
The  humbler  creation, 

Though  feeble  their  lays, 
With  true  adoration, 

Shall  lisp  to  Thy  praise. 


Sir  R.  Grant. 


Do  good,  shun  evil :  live  not  thou 
As  if  at  death  thy  being  died, 

Nor  error's  syren  voice  allow 

To  draw  thy  steps  from  truth  aside  ; 

Look  to  thy  journey's  end — the  grave ! 

And  trust  in  Him  whose  arm  can  save. 


Moir, 


Then  shall,  gorgeous  as  a  gem, 
Shine  thy  mount,  Jerusalem ; 
Then  shall  in  the  desert  rise 
Fruits  of  more  than  Paradise ; 
Earth  by  angel  feet  be  trod, 
One  great  garden  of  her  God ; 
Till  are  dried  the  martyr's  tears 
Through  a  glorious  thousand  years. 
Now,  in  hope  of  Him,  we  trust 
Earth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust. 


Croly. 


TRUST.  625 


We  see  no  more  in  Thy  pure  skies, 

How  soft,  O  God !  the  sunset  dies  : 

How  every  coloured  hill  and  wood 

Seems  melting  in  the  golden  flood : 

Yet,  by  the  precious  memories  won 

From  bright  hours,  now  for  ever  gone, 

Father,  o'er  all  Thy  works  we  know 

Thou  still  art  shedding  beauty's  glow  ; 

Still  touching  every  cloud  and  tree 

With  glory,  eloquent  of  Thee  ; 

Still  feeding  all  Thy  flowers  with  light, 

Though  man  hath  barred  it  from  our  sight. 
We  know  Thou  rcignest.  the  unchanging  One,  All-just ! 
And  bless  Thee  still,  with  free  and  boundless  trust. 

Mrs.  Hemans. 

0  let  my  trembling  soul  be  still. 
While  darkness  veils  this  mortal  eye, 

And  wait  Thy  wise.  Thy  holy  will : 
Wrapp'd  yet  in  fears  and  mystery. 

1  cannot,  Lord  !  Thy  purpose  see  ! 
Yet  all  is  ruled — since  ruled  by  Thee. 

When  mounted  on  Thy  clouded  car, 
Thou  seud'st  Thy  darker  spirits  down, 

I  can  discern  Thy  light  afar, 

Thy  light  sweet  beaming  through  Thy  frown  ; 

And  should  I  faint  a  moment — then 

I  think  of  Thee — and  smile  again, 

So,  trusting  in  Thy  love,  I  tread 

The  narrow  path  of  duty  on ; 
What  though  some  cherished  joys  are  fled  ! 

What  though  some  flattering  dreams  are  gone  ; 
Yet  purer,  brighter  joys  remain. 
Why  should  my  spirit  then  complain?  Bow  ring. 

For  now  in  truth  I  find 
My  Father  all  His  promises  hath  kept ; 
He  comforts  those  who  here  in  sadness  wept. 

Eyes  to  the  blind 
Thou  art,  O  God !     Earth  I  no  longer  sec, 
Yet  trustfully  my  spirit  looks  to  Thee.  Mrs.  Neal. 

*  2  s 


TRUST. 


Oh,  yet  we  trust  that,  somehow,  good 

Will  be  the  final  goal  of  all, 

To  pangs  of  nature,  sins  of  will, 
Defects  of  doubt  and  taints  of  blood  ; 

That  nothing  walks  with  aimless  feet ; 

That  not  one  life  shall  be  destroy'd, 

Or  cast  as  rubbish  to  the  void, 
When  God  hath  made  the  pile  complete. 

That  not  a  worm  is  cloven  in  vain ; 

That  not  a  moth  with  vain  desire 

Is  shrivell'd  in  a  fruitless  fire, 
Or  but  subserves  another's  gain. 

Behold  !  we  know  not  anything ; 

I  can  but  trust  that  good  shall  fall 

At  last,  far  off,  at  last  to  all, 
And  every  winter  change  to  spring. 

So  runs  my  dream  : — but  what  am  I  ? 

An  infant  crying  in  the  night ; 

An  infant  crying  for  the  light ; 
And  with  no  language  but  a  cry.  Tennyson. 

In  patience,  then,  possess  thy  soul, 
Stand  still ! — for  while  the  thunders  roll, 
Thy  Saviour  sees  thee  through  the  gloom, 
And  will  to  thy  assistance  come ; 
His  love  and  mercy  will  be  shown 
To  those  who  trust  in  Him  alone. 

William  Allen. 
Some  in  chariots,  some  in  horses, 

We  in  God  Jehovah  trust ; 
And,  while  He  our  sure  resource  is, 

They  are  fallen  in  the  dust : 
Save  Jehovah,  save  and  hear  us, 

King  of  glory,  King  of  might ; 
When  we  call,  be  ever  near  us, — 

Even  for  Thy  servants  fight.  Tupper. 

Oft,  alas  !  we  make  our  boast 

In  the  strength  of  armed  host : 

Creatures  frail  in  whom  we  trust, 

What  are  they  but  ashes — dust?  Egone. 


TRUTH.  627 


TRUTH. 

THE  truth  of  the  Lord  enduretb  fOl  m  CXViL  2. 

Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  It  n  miction,  and 

understanding.— Proverbs,  xxu 

Pjx?ak  ye  every  man  thi  bonr. — Zeohariah,  TiiL  ML 

Baitb  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life:  no 
man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me.    John,  xiv.  ti. 

When    Hi-,  the  spirit  of  truth,  is   come,  He   wil  into  all 

truth. — John,  xvi.  13. 

It  is  the  Spirit  that  beareth  witness,  -  Spirit  is  truth. — 

I.  John,  v.  t;. 

Dare  to  be  true  ;  nothing  can  need  a  lie, 

A  fault  which  needs  it  most,  grows  two  thereby. 

Herbert. 
Truth,  in  her  pure  simplicity,  wants  art 
To  put  a  feigned  blush  on.  John  Ford. 

Defend  the  truth  ;  for  that  who  will  not  die, 
A  coward  is,  and  gives  himself  the  lie. 

Thomas  Randolph. 

These  furies  fell,  which  turn  the  world  to  ruth, 
Both  Envy,  Strife,  and  Slander,  her  appear, 
In  dungeon  dark  they  long  enclosed  Truth, 
But  time  at  length  did  loose  his  daughter  dear, 
And  sets  aloft  that  sacred  lady  bright, 
Who  things  long  hid  reveals  and  brings  to  light. 

Though  Strife  wake  her,  though  Envy  eat  her  heart, 
The  innocent  though  Slander  rend  and  spoil : 
Yet  Time  will  come,  and  take  this  lady's  part, 
And  break  her  bands  and  bring  her  foes  to  foil. 
Despair  not  then,  though  Truth  be  hidden  oft, 
Because  at  length,  she  shall  be  set  aloft. 

Whitney. 
God  hath  how  sent  His  living  oracle 
Into  the  world  to  teach  His  final  will, 
And  sends  His  Spirit  of  truth  henceforth  to  dwell 
In  pious  hearts  :  and  inward  oracle 
To  all  truth  requisite  for  men  to  know.  Jfilton. 

For  error  and  mistake  are  infinite, 

But  truth  has  but  one  way  to  be  i'  th'  right: 

As  numbers  may  t'  infinity  be  grown, 

But  never  be  redue'd  to  less  than  one.  Butler. 


628  TRUTH. 

Marble  and  recording  brass  decay, 
And  like  the  'graver's  memory,  pass  away ; 
The  works  of  man  inherit,  as  is  just, 
Their  author's  frailty,  and  return  to  dust; 
But  truth  divine  for  ever  stands  secure, 
Its  head  is  guarded,  as  its  base  is  sure ; 
Fixed  in  the  rolling  flood  of  endless  years, 
The  pillar  of  the  eternal  plan  appears  ; 
The  raving  storm  and  dashing  wave  defies, 
Built  by  that  Architect  who  built  the  skies.        Cowper. 

But  what  is  Truth  ?     'Twas  Pilate's  question,  put 

To  Truth  itself,  that  deigned  him  no  reply. 

And  wherefore  ?     Will  not  God  impart  His  light 

To  them  that  ask  it  ?     Freely, — 't  is  His  joy, 

His  glory,  and  His  nature,  to  impart. 

But  to  the  proud,  uncandid,  insincere, 

Our  negligent  enquirer,  not  a  spark.  Cowper. 

All  truth  is  precious,  if  not  all  divine, 

And  what  dilates  the  powers  must  needs  refine. 

Cowper. 
So  many  minds  did  gird  their  orbs  with  beams, 

Though  one  did  fling  the  fire, 
Heaven  flowed  upon  the  soul  in  many  dreams 

Of  high  desire. 

Thus  truth  was  multiplied  on  truth,  the  world 

Like  one  great  garden  show'd, 
And  thro'  the  wreaths  of  floating  dark  upcurl'd 

Rare  sunrise  flow'd.  Tennyson. 

Dark,  dark,  yea,  irrecoverably  dark, 
Is  the  soul's  eye ;  yet  how  it  strives  and  battles 
Through  the  impenetrable  gloom  to  fix 
That  master  light,  the  secret  truth  of  things, 
Which  is  the  body  of  the  infinite  God. 

Arthur  H.  Haltam. 

Searching  the  skiey  depths  all  night  in  vain, 
The  starry  seer  hath  known  this  mystery — 
That  the  sky  orb,  which  over  half  the  sky 
Hath  baulked  his  chase,  and  mocked  his  utmost  pain 
If  (haply  while  the  daylight  poured  amain 


TEUTH.  629 

Into  the  empty  concave  of  the  night) 
Hath  stepped  into  his  glass,  as  clear  to  sight 
As  the  one  tree  that  stars  a  glassy  plain, 
So  is  it  known  that  some  secretive  Truth, 

Which  Thought  and  Patience  strove  in  vain  to  find, 
Just  when  Despair  and  Doubt  were  swallowing  all, 
Hath  dropped  into  the  heart  without  a  call, 

Conspicuous  as  a  Fire,  and  sweet  as  Youth, 
An  everlasting  stronghold  to  the  mind. 

Thomas  Burbidge. 
Not  seldom,  clad  in  radiant  vest, 

Deceitfully  goes  forth  the  morn ; 
Not  seldom  evening,  in  the  west, 

Sinks  smilingly  forsworn. 
The  smoothest  seas  will  sometimes  prove 

To  the  confiding  bark  untrue ; 
And  if  she  trust  the  stars  above, 

They  can  be  treacherous  too. 
The  umbrageous  oak,  in  pomp  outspread, 
Full  oft,  when  storms  the  welkin  rend, 
Draws  lightning  down  upon  the  head 

It  promised  to  defend. 
But  Thou  art  true,  incarnate  Lord ! 

Who  didst  vouchsafe  for  man  to  die, 
Thy  smile  is  sure,  Thy  plighted  word 

No  change  can  falsify.  Wordsivorth. 

That  one  half  creation  is  to  know 

Luxurious  joy,  and  others  only  woe, 

And  so  go  down  into  the  common  tomb 

With  none  to  question  their  unequal  doom  ? 

Shall  we  give  credit  to  a  thought  so  fond? 

Ah  !  no — the  world  beyond — the  world  beyond ! 

There  shall  the  desolate  heart  regain  its  own  ! 

There  the  oppressed  shall  stand  before  God's  throne  ! 

There,  when  the  tangled  web  is  all  explained, 

Wrong  suffered,  pain  inflicted,  grief  disdained, 

Man's  proud,  mistaken  judgments  and  false  scorn 

Shall  melt,  like  mists  before  the  uprising  morn, 

And  holy  truth  stand  forth,  serenely  bright, 

In  the  rich  flood  of  God's  eternal  light ! 

Mrs.  Norton. 


630  TRCTH. 

It  is  not  in  the  heart  of  thought 
Nor  in  the  breast  of  care, 

That  truth  its  dwelling-place  has  sought, 
For  all  is  sterile  there : 

Nor  is  it  in  the  mind  where  gay- 
Delusive  visions  throng, 

That  chastening  truth  can  find  a  way- 
Its  glittering  dreams  among : 

Yet  as  within  the  desert  far, 
There  are  reflections  given 

Of  light,  so  in  the  heart  there  are 

Remembrances  of  Heaven.  W.  Anderson. 

Oh !  truth  abideth  with  Him  everywhere  ; 

And  lovely  is  her  brow,  albeit  too  bright 

For  earthly  eye,  she  veils  her  aspect  fair, 

Lest  bold  vain  men  be  blasted  with  its  light, 

Beneath  a  diverse  visage,  now  austere. 

Now  lovely,  suited  to  the  gazer's  sight. 

He  who  upon  her  naked  face  might  bear 

To  look,  would  know  her  heavenly  and  divine, 

And  Deity  itself  in  her  revere — 

Thy  soul,  oh  Man !  is  her  especial  shrine  ; 

There  find  her,  thou  unto  thyself  shalt  wake, 

And  to  thy  God  ;  for  heaven  is  her's  and  thine  : 

Seek  her  in  youth,  nor  yet  in  age  forsake. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 
Immortal  Truth  1  by  inspiration  taught, 
Thou  spurn'st  the  servile  chains  of  human  art  ; 
In  native  majesty  arrayed,  thou  shed'st 
Thy  radiant  beams  through  all  this  vale  below ; 
Thy  piercing  voice  resounds  through  distant  climes, 
By  all  distinguished,  and  by  all  adored. 

Charles  Jenner. 
Truth  is  in  each  flower 
As  well  as  in  the  solenmest  things  of  God. 
Truth  is  the  voice  of  Nature  and  of  Time — 
Truth  is  the  startling  monitor  within  us — 
Nought  is  without  it,  it  comes  from  the  stars, 
The  golden  sun,  and  every  breeze  that  blows — 
Truth,  it  is  God  !  and  God  is  everywhere  ! 

William  Thomson  Bacon. 


UNITY.  631 


UNITY. 

[OLD  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  to- 

intinent  upon  the  head,  that  ran  down  upon 
the  bt:.  iown  to  the  skirts  of  his 

.  1.  2. 

End. -aviiuri:;-'  :  •  keep  the  unify  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

E'sil  as  the  ointment  whose  sweet  odours  blended, 
From  Aaron's  head  upon  his  beard  descended, 
And,  falling  thence,  with  rich  perfume  ran  o'er 
The  holy  garb  the  prophet  wore : 
So  doth  the  unity  that  lives  with  brothers 
Share  its  best  blessings  and  its  joy  with  others. 

Kamphuyzen. 
Behold  how  good  it  is  that  brethren  dwell 
In  unity  together.     Sweet  it  is. 
As  the  rich  unguent  that  o'er  Aaron  fell 
From  head  to  beard,  and  even  deigned  to  kiss 
His  garment  skirts.     'T  is  precious  as  the  dew 
Distilled  on  Hermon  in  fine  essences. 
Yea.  it  refreshes  Zion's  mountains  too ; 
For  there  the  blessing  of  eternal  life, 
The  Lord  our  God  shall  evermore  renew. 

J.  A.  Heraud. 
The  glorious  universe  around, 

The  heavens  with  all  their  train. 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars  are  firmly  bound 

In  one  mysterious  chain. 
In  one  fraternal  bond  of  love, 

One  fellowship  of  mind. 
The  saints  below,  the  saints  above, 

Their  bliss  and  glory  find. 
Here,  in  their  house  of  pilgrimage. 

Thy  statutes  are  their  Bong  ; 
There,  through  one  bright  eternal  age. 

Thy  praises  they  prolong  ! 
Lord,  may  our  union  form  a  part 

Of  that  thrice  happy  whole, 
Derive  its  pulse  from  Thee,  the  heart, 

Its  life  from  Thee,  the  soul.         J.  Montgomery. 


632 


VALOUR. 


THROUGH  God  we  shall  do  valiantly:  for  He  it  is  that  shall  tread 
down  our  enemies. — Psalm  cviii.  18. 

I  never  saw  an  angry  person  valiant : 

Virtue  is  never  aided  by  a  vice.  Ben  Jonson. 

In  the  good  man's  breast, 
Justice  and  piety,  with  valour  reign  : 
He,  though  the  fabric  of  the  shaken  world 
Should  burst  in  thundering  ruin  o'er  his  head, 
Calm  and  unawed  would  view  the  crushing  wreck, 
Nor  shudder  at  destruction  ;  but  to  brave 
The  wrath  of  Heaven,  or  rashly  to  intrude, 
Spotted  with  guilt,  into  his  Maker's  sight ; 
Or  lift  for  mercy  a  rebellious  hand 
Dyed  with  a  brother's  gore,  he  justly  fears  ; 
Yet,  in  Himself  collected,  will  defy 
The  taunt  of  malice,  or  that  groundless  right 
The  weakest,  lightest  of  mankind  assume 
To  brand  with  infamy  his  injured  name, 
And  scorn  the  coward,  daring  to  forgive. 

C.  P.  Layard. 
Who  is  valiant,  tell  me  who  ? 
Is  it  he  who  braves  all  danger, 
Foremost  ever  in  the  field, 
'Mid  the  clash  of  sword  and  shield, 
Where  there's  bloodiest  work  to  do, 
Unto  fear  a  stranger  ? 

Who  is  valiant,  tell  me  who? 

He,  who  where  the  tempest  rages, 
'Mid  the  elemental  strife, 
Boldly  risking  limb  and  life, 
With  a  dauntless  heart  and  true, 
In  the  work  engages  ? 

These  are  valiant,  but  methinks 
'T  is  a  higher,  nobler  valour, 
In  a  cause  that  just  and  right, 
Bearing  scorn,  neglect,  and  slight, 
With  a  soul  that  never  shrinks, 

And  a  cheek  that  knows  no  pallor.  Egone. 


VANITY.  633 


VANITY. 

Surely  God  will  not  hear  vanity,  neither  will  the  Almighty  regard 
it.— Job,  xxxr.  13. 

Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  an  handbreadth  :  and  mine  age 
is  as  nothing  before  thee :  verily  every  man  at  his  best  state  is  alto- 
gether ran  ity.— Psalm  xxxix.  •">. 

Man  is  like  to  vanity:  his  days  are  as  a  shadow  that  pa9seth  away. 
— Psalm  cxliv.  4. 

Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  Preacher,  vanity  of  vanities;  all  is 
vanity. — Ecclesiastes.  i.  2. 

Cast  not  thy  serious  wit  on  idle  things, 

Make  not  thy  free-will  slave  to  vanity.  Davies. 

What  well-devised  ear  regards 

What  earth  can  say  ? 
Thy  words  are  gold,  but  thy  regards 

Are  painted  clay : 
Thy  cunning  can  but  pack  the  cards, 

Thou  canst  not  play  : 
Thy  game  at  weakest,  still  thou  vy'st : 
If  seen  and  then  revy'd,  deny'st ; 
Thou  art  not  what  thou  seem'st  false  world,  thou  ly'st. 

Thy  tinsel  bosom  seems  a  mint 

Of  new  coined  treasure  : 
A  paradise  that  hath  no  stint, 

No  change,  no  measure, 
A  painted  cask,  but  nothing  in  it, 

Nor  wealth,  nor  pleasure, 
Vain  earth  !  that  falsely  thus  comply 'st 
With  man ;  vain  man !  that  thou  rely'st 
On  earth  ;  vain  man,  thou  dot'st,  vain  earth,  thouly'st. 

What  mean  dull  souls,  in  this  high  measure 

To  haberdash 
In  earth's  bare  wares,  whose  greatest  treasure 

Is  drop  and  trash  ? 
The  height  of  whose  enchanting  pleasure 

Is  but  a  flash  r 
Are  these  the  goods  that  thou  supply 'st 
Us  mortals  with?     Are  those  the  highest  P 
Can  these  bring  cordial  peace !  vain  world  thou  ly'st. 

Francis  Qitarles. 


The  pride 
And  wand'ring  vanity,  when  least  was  safe, 
Rejected  my  forewarning.  Milton. 

The  man  we  celebrate  must  find  a  tomb, 

And  we  that  worship  him,  ignoble  graves. 

Nothing  is  proof  against  the  general  curse 

Of  vanity,  that  seizes  all  below.  Coivper. 

How  wise  a  short  retreat  to  steal, 
The  vanity  of  life  to  feel, 

And  from  its  cares  to  fly : 
To  act  one  calm,  domestic  scene, 
Earth's  bustle  and  the  grave  between, 

Retire,  and  learn  to  die  !  Hannah  More. 

Lord,  let  me  know  mine  end, 

My  days,  how  brief  their  date, 
That  I  may  timely  comprehend 

How  frail  my  best  estate. 

My  life  is  but  a  span 

Mine  age  is  nought  with.  Thee  ; 
Man,  in  his  highest  honour,  man 

Is  dust  and  vanity.  James  Montgomery. 

Art  thou  puffed  with  vanity  ? 

Hear  the  preacher,  what  saith  he  ? 

Be  thy  state  however  great, 

Lofty  though  thy  station  be, 

Like  a  shadow,  o'er  a  meadow 

Swiftly  that  is  seen  to  flee  : 

Like  a  morning  flower  that  soon 

Withers  in  the  eye  of  noon  ; 

Like  a  gleam,  upon  a  stream, 

That  we  but  a  moment  see  ; — 

Such  thou  art,  oh,  haughty  man, 

And  thy  days  are  but  a  span  ; 

And  thy  works,  however  strong, 

May  not  have  endurance  long ; 

And  thy  thoughts,  however  high, 

What  are  they  but  vanity  ?  Egone. 


vapour.  635 


VAPOUR. 

Whatsoever  th<  ad,  thai  did  Hi-  in  heaven,  and  in  earth, 

in  the  seas,  arid  all 

He  causeth  the  vapours  to  ascend   from   the  ends  of   the  earth. — 
Psalm  exxxv.  6,  7. 

What  is  your  life?    It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a  little 
time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.     Jam.-,  iv.  14. 


Great  is  the  Lord,  exalted  high, 

Above  all  pow'rs  and  ev'ry  throne  ; 
Whate'er  He  please  in  earth  and  sea, 

Or  heav'n,  or  hell,  His  hand  hath  done. 

At  His  command  the  vapours  rise, 

The  lightnings  flash,  the  thunders  roar ; 

He  pours  the  rain,  He  brings  the  wind 

And  tempests  from  His  airy  store.  Watts. 


Life  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour  ! 

How  soon  the  vapour  flies ! 
Man  is  a  tender  transient  flower, 

That  e'en  in  blooming  dies.  Steele. 

How  gloriously  'neath  yon  cerulean  arch, 
The  vapoury  legions  hold  their  stately  march  ; 
Onward  they  press,  with  banners  all  unroll'd, 
Like  gleaming  cohorts,  clad  in  steel  and  gold  ; 
The  space  they  cover  is  of  vast  extent, 
And  afar  off  rise  tower  and  battlement, 
As  of  some  city  bright,  with  jasper  walls, 
Enclosing,  as  we  deem,  wide  stately  halls, 
And  spacious  streets,  and  temples  all  inlaid 
With  precious  stones,  and  fit  for  worship  made. 
'T  is  but  a  dream  !  behold,  comes  on  the  night ; 
The  heavens  grow  black,  and  blotted  from  the  sight 
Are  those  fair  shapes,  and  such  the  airy  schemes 
Of  human  pride,  all  unsubstantial  dreams. 
Vapour  and  mist  enwrap  our  senses  here, 
Only  about  God's  throne  is  all  serene  and  clear. 

]£<jotie. 


VENGEANCE. 


VENGEANCE. 

0  Lord  God,  to  whom  vengeance  belongeth ;  0  God,  to  whom  ven- 
geance belongeth,  shew  Thyself. — Psalm  xciv.  1. 

Say  to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart,  be  strong  ;  fear  not :  behold, 
your  God  will  come  with  vengeance,  even  God  with  a  recompense.— 
Isaiah,  xxxv.  4. 

Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather  give  place  unto 
wrath :  for  it  is  written,  Vengeance  is  mine ;  I  will  repay,  saith  the 
Lord. — Romans,  xii.  19. 

From  Sinai's  top  Jehovah  gave  the  law, 

Life  for  obedience,  death  for  every  flaw. 

When  the  great  Sovereign  would  His  will  express, 

He  gives  a  perfect  rule,  what  can  He  less  ? 

And  guards  it  with  a  sanction  as  severe 

As  vengeance  can  inflict,  or  sinners  fear : 

Else  His  own  glorious  rights  He  would  disclaim, 

And  man  might  safely  trifle  with  His  name. 

Cowper. 

Speak  not  of  vengeance  !  't  is  the  right  of  God. 

"  Vengeance  is  His."     Who  shall  usurp  the  bolt 

And  iaunch  it  for  Omnipotence  ?  shall  man 

Assume  the  right  of  judgment,  or  prescribe 

How  far  the  line  of  mercy  shall  extend, 

Or  punishment  shall  stretch  its  iron  rod  ? 

In  thine  own  cause  to  judge,  who  gave  thee  right, 

Presumptuous  man !  C.  P.  Layard. 

Some  deluded  minds, 
Harrowed  by  penal  terrors,  in  the  gulf 
Of  black  despair  are  whelmed.     No  ray  of  hope 
Dispels  the  involving  gloom  ;  a  Deity, 
With  all  the  thunder  of  dread  vengeance  round  Him, 
Is  ever  present  to  their  tortured  thoughts. 

Samuel  Hayes. 

To  vengeance  horrible  aroused, 
And  clad  in  tenfold  fierceness,  shalt  thou  stand 
Beside  the  atheist's  bed ;  by  his  who  oft, 
With  wit  profane,  and  poignant  blasphemy, 
And  specious  show  of  argument,  hath  scoffed 
Each  awful  truth,  and  ridiculed  his  God. 

William  Gibson. 


VICTORY.  637 


VICTORY. 

O  SIXG  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song;  for  he  hath  done  marvellous 
things:  his  risjlit  hand,  and  his  huh  arm.  hath  gotten  him  the  victor;/. 
—Psalm  xeviii.  1. 

O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?     0  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  1 

Thanks  be  to  God.  which  gii  victory,  through  our   Lord 

Jesus  Christ. — I.  Corinthian-,  xv.  56,  67. 

This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith. — I. 
John,  v.  4. 

Ye  dead !  where  can  your  dwelling  be  ? 

— The  house  of  all  the  living  ; — come  and  see. 

O  life  !  what  is  thy  breath  ? 

— A  vapour  lost  in  death. 

O  death !  how  ends  thy  strife  ? 

— In  everlasting  life. 

O  grave  !  where  is  thy  victory  ? 

— Ask  Him  who  rose  again  from  me. 

J.  Montgomery. 

Look,  ye  saints,  the  sight  is  glorious, 

See  the  "Man  of  Sorrows"  now ; 
From  the  fight  returned  victorious, 

Every  knee  to  Him  shall  bow  ! 
Crown  Him  !  crown  Him  ! 

Crowns  become  the  victor  s  brow. 

Sinners  in  derision  crown'd  Him, 
Mocking  thus  the  Saviour's  claim  ; 

Saints  and  angels  crowd  around  Him, 
Own  His  title,  praise  His  name : 

Crown  Him  !  crown  Him  ! 
Spread  abroad  the  victor  s  fame  !  Kelly. 

Millions  now  before  the  throne, 
Lay  their  trophied  offerings  down ; 
Clad  in  robes  of  purity, 
Now  they  sing  of  victory. 

Millions  more  still  onward  go, 

Militant  while  here  below  ; 

Soon  the  shield  and  sword  shall  be 

Laid  aside  for  victory.  W.  J.  Brock. 


638  VICTORY. 


Beauty  ; — may  that  of  holiness  be  mine ; 

May  power  be  given  me  to  o'ercome  the  world ; 

For  pleasure,  may  I  have  a  hand  to  pour 

The  oil  and  wine  upon  another's  wound ! 

For  honour,  may  I  bear  my  Saviour's  cross  ; 

For  splendour,  light  that  from  His  follower  beams ; 

And  be  my  glory  His  approving  smile  ; 

My  fame,  the  world's  reproaches  for  His  sake ; 

My  wealth,  a  conscience  where  no  rust  corrodes — 

One  that  may  look  into  a  coming  world, 

As  nature  shall  dissolve,  and  feel  secure ; 

With  these  to  aid  me  in  the  mortal  strife, 

May  I,  the  palm  of  victory  o'er  the  grave, 

Make  my  immortal  prize  !  Hannah  F.  Gould. 

Waft  not  to  me  the  blast  of  fame, 

That  swells  the  trump  of  victory  ; 
For  to  my  ear  it  gives  the  name 

Of  slaughter  and  of  misery. 

Boast  not  so  much  of  honour's  sword, 
Wave  not  so  high  the  victors  plume ; 

They  point  me  to  the  bosom  gor'd, 

They  point  me  to  the  blood-stained  tomb. 

The  boastful  shout,  the  revel  loud, 

That  strive  to  drown  the  voice  of  pain ; 

What  are  they  but  the  fickle  crowd, 
Rejoicing  o'er  their  brethren  slain? 

And  oh,  through  glory's  fading  blaze, 

I  see  the  cottage  taper,  pale, 
Which  sheds  its  faint  and  feeble  rays, 

Where  unprotected  orphans  wail. 

Where  the  sad  widow  weeping  stands, 

As  if  her  day  of  hope  was  done ; 
Where  the  wild  mother  clasps  her  hands, 

And  asks  the  victor  for  her  son. 

Where,  midst  that  desolated  land, 

The  sire  lamenting  o'er  his  son, 
Extends  his  pale  and  powerless  hand, 

And  finds  its  only  prop  is  gone. 


VICTORY.  639 


See,  how  the  bands  of  war  and  woe 

Have  rifled  sweet  domestic  bliss  ; 
And  toll  me  if  your  laurels  grow, 

And  flourish  in  a  soil  like  this.  Sigourney. 

Up  to  the  strife  with  care, 

Be  thine  an  oaken  heart. 
Life's  daily  contest  nobly  share, 

Nor  act  a  craven  part ; 
Give  murmurs  to  the  coward  throng, 
Be  thine  the  joyous  notes  of  song. 

If  thrown  upon  the  field, 

Up  to  the  task  once  more, 
'T  is  worse  than  infamy  to  yield, 

'T  is  childish  to  deplore  ; 
Look  stern  misfortune  in  the  eye, 
And  breast  the  billow  manfully. 

Close  in  with  every  foe, 

As  thickly  on  they  come, 
They  can  but  lay  thy  body  low, 

Aiid  send  thy  spirit  home ; 
Yet  may'st  thou  stand  it  out  and  view 
What  giant  energy  can  do. 

Soon  shall  the  combat  cease, 

The  struggle  fierce  and  long, 
And  thine  be  true,  unbroken  peace, 

And  thine  the  victor's  song  ; 
Beyond  the  clouds  will  wait  for  thee. 
The  wreath  of  immortality. 

(Rev.)  E.  C.  Jones. 

Who  shall  wear  the  victor's  wreath 

In  the  realms  of  deathless  glory  ? 
Those  who  reaped  the  fields  of  death, 

Heroes  of  an  earthly  story  ? 
Nay  not  these,  nor  such  as  these, 

They  have  won  rewards  and  prizes, 
Shadowy  unrealities, 

Which  the  humble  saint  despises. 
He  the  victor's  wreath  shall  wear, 
Meekly  who  the  cross  could  bear.  Egone. 


640 


VINE. 


Return",  we  beseech  thee,  0  God  of  hosts  :  look  down  from  heaven, 
and  behold  and  visit  this  vine : 

And  the  vineyard  which  thy  right  hand  hath  planted,  and  the  branch 
that  thon  niadest  so  strong  for  thyself.— Psahn  lxxx.  14.  15. 

I  am  the  true  vine,  and  my  Father  is  the  husbandman. — John,  xv.  1. 

Thanks  to  Thy  sovereign  grace,  O  God,  if  I 
Am  graffed  in  that  true  vine  a  living  shoot, 
Whose  arms  embrace  the  world,  and  in  whose  root, 

Planted  by  faith,  our  life  must  hidden  lie. 

But  Thou  beholdest  how  I  fade  and  dry ! 

Choked  with  a  waste  of  leaf,  and  void  of  fruit. 
Unless  Thy  spring  perennial  shall  recruit 

My  sapless  branch,  still  wanting  fresh  supply. 

O  cleanse  me,  then,  and  make  me  to  abide 
Wholly  in  Thee,  to  drink  Thy  heavenly  dew. 
And,  watered  daily  with  my  tears  to  grow. 

Thou  art  the  truth,  thy  promise  is  my  guide ; 
Prepare  me  when  Thou  comes t,  Lord,  to  show 
Fruits  answering  to  the  stock  on  which  I  grow. 

From  the  Italian  of  Vittoria  Colonna. 

Hast  Thou  not  planted  with  Thy  hands 
A  lovely  vine  in  heathen  lands? 
Did  not  Thy  pow'r  defeud  it  round, 
And  heav'nly  dews  enrich  the  ground  ? 

How  did  the  spreading  branches  shoot. 
And  bless  the  nations  with  the  fruit ! 
But  now,  dear  Lord,  look  down  and  see 
Thy  mourning  vine,  that  lovely  tree. 

Why  is  its  beauty  thus  defac'd  ? 
Why  hast  Thou  laid  her  fences  waste? 
Strangers  and  foes  against  her  join, 
And  ev'ry  beast  devours  the  vine. 

Return,  Almighty  God,  return  : 

Nor  let  Thy  bleeding  vineyard  mourn ; 

Turn  us  to  Thee,  Thy  love  restore ; 

We  shall  be  sav'd  and  sigh  no  more.  Watts. 


VIOLENCE.  641 


VIOLENCE. 

VIOLIHOB  shall  no  more  be  heard  in  thy  land,  wasting  nor  destruction 
within  thy  borders.    Isaiah,  1\.  18.  ^ 

Thus  Baitb  the  Lord,  do  no  wrong,  do  no  violence  to  the  b1 
the  fatherless,  nor  the  widow.    Jeremiah,  xxii.  :>. 

And  the  soldicr>  likewic  of  him,  saying,  and  what  shall 

we  do?     And  he  said  unto  them,  Dm  i  man.     Luke.  iii.  14. 


All  the  elements 
At  least  had  gone  to  wreck,  disturbed  and  torn 
With  violence  of  this  conflict,  had  not  soon 
Th'  Eternal  hung  his  golden  scales.  Milton. 

Grieved  at  heart,  when  looking  down  He  saw 
The  whole  earth  filled  with  violence ;  and  all  flesh 
Corrupting  each  their  way.  Milton. 

The  grief  of  mind  is  that  intestine  war 
That  stirs  sedition  in  the  state  of  man  ; 

Where,  when  our  passions  once  commanding  are. 
Our  peaceful  days  are  desperate,  for  then 
The  stir  's  more  hot  than  when  it  first  began  ; 

For  heady  passion  's  like  an  untamed  beast, 

That  riots  most  when  we  desire  it  least. 

This  violence  exceeds  his  virtuous  mien, 

Like  swelling  tides  that  overcome  their  shore, 

Leaving  the  awful  current  of  their  stream. 

And  break  their  banks  that  bounded  them  before  ; 
Yet  grief  in  his  great  violence  is  more  ; 

For  if  that  reason  bound  not  grief  with  laws, 

In  our  destruction  grief  will  be  the  cause. 

Christopher   Lever. 

First  Envy,  eldest  born  of  hell,  imbrued 
Her  hands  in  blood,  and  taught  the  sons  of  men 
To  make  a  death  which  Nature  never  made. 
And  God  abhorred ;  with  violence  rude  to  break 
The  thread  of  life  ere  half  its  length  was  run, 
And  rob  a  wretched  brother  of  his  being. 

Bishop    Porteus. 
*  2  T 


642  VIRTUE. 


VIRTUE. 

WHATSOEVER  tilings  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  what- 
soever things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatsoever  things 
are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report ;  if  there  be  any  virtue, 
and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things. — Philippians,  iv.  8. 

Giving  all  diligence  add  to  your  faith  virtue;  and  to  virtue  know- 
ledge.— II.  Peter,  i.  5. 

Heaven  doth  with  us  as  we  with  torches  do ; 

'Not  light  them  for  themselves  :  for  if  our  virtues 

Did  not  go  forth  of  us,  't  were  all  alike 

As  if  we  had  them  not.  Skakspere. 

Tell  faith  it 's  fled  the  city  ; 

Tell  how  the  country  erreth ; 
Tell  manhood,  shakes  of  pity  ; 

Tell  virtue,  least  preferreth  ; 
And  if  they  do  reply 
Spare  not  to  give  the  lie.  Sir   W.  Raleigh. 

— Walls  of  brass  resist  not 

A  noble  undertaking — nor  can  vice 

Raise  any  bulwark  to  make  good  a  place 

Where  virtue  seeks  to  enter.  Fletcher. 

Eternal  Spirit !  Thou  who  think'st  not  scorn 

To  make  thyself  a  lowly  habitant 

In  the  mean  cottage  of  the  human  breast 

When  purity  has  been  thy  harbinger : 

Come  then,  and  lead  the  virtues  in  Thy  train  ; 

Allot  to  each  her  office ;  ceaseless  guard 

Still  let  them  hold  around  this  earth-born  heart, 

And  watch,  with  closest  glance,  its  languid  pulse. 

John  ELey. 

Virtue  's  no  virtue  whiles  it  lives  secure  ; 

When  difficulty  waits  on  't,  then  'tis  pure. 

John   Quarles. 
Yet  sometimes  nations  will  decline  so  low 
Erom  virtue,  which  is  reason,  that  no  wrong 
But  justice,  and  some  fatal  course  annexed, 
Deprives  them  of  their  outward  liberty, 
Their  inward  lost.  Milton. 


VIRTUE.  643 


Life  swarms  with  ills ;  the  boldest  are  afraid  ; 

Where,  then,  is  safety  for  a  tender  maid  ? 

Unfit  for  conflict,  round  beset  with  woes, 

And  man,  whom  least  she  fears,  her  worst  of  foes ; 

When  kind,  most  cruel ;  when  oblig'd  the  most. 

The  least  obliging ;  and  by  favours  lost. 

Cruel  by  nature,  they  for  kindness  hate, 

And  scorn  you  for  those  ills  themselves  create : 

If  on  your  frame  our  sex  a  blot  has  thrown, 

'T  will  ever  stick,  through  malice  of  your  own. 

Most  hard  !  in  pleasing  your  chief  glory  lies  ; 

And  yet  from  pleasing  your  chief  dangers  rise  : 

Then  please  the  best ;  and  know,  for  men  of  sen-  . 

Your  strongest  charms  are  native  innocence ; 

Arts  on  the  mind,  like  paint  upon  the  face, 

Fright  him  that 's  worth  your  love  from  your  embrace, 

In  simple  manners,  all  the  secret  lies ; 

Be  kind  and  virtuous,  you  '11  be  blest  and  wise. 

Young. 

Our  hearts  ne'er  bow  but  to  superior  worth, 

Nor  ever  fail  of  their  allegiance  there ; 

Pools,  indeed,  drop  the  man  in  their  account, 

And  vote  the  mantle  into  majesty. 

Shall  man  be  proud  to  wear  his  livery, 

And  souls  in  ermine  scorn  a  soul  without  ? 

Can  place  or  lessen  us,  or  aggrandise  ? 

Pigmies  are  pigmies  still,  though  perched  on  hills, 

And  pyramids  are  pyramids  in  vales ; 

Each  man  makes  his  own  stature,  builds  himself: 

Virtue  alone  outlives  the  pyramids  ; 

Her  monuments  shall  last  when  Egypt's  fall. 

Young. 

I  saw  the  virtuous  man  contend 

With  life's  unnumbered  woes  ; 
And  he  was  poor — without  a  friend, 

Press'd  by  a  thousand  foes. 

I  saw  the  passion's  pliant  slave 

In  gallant  trim,  and  gay  ; 
His  course  was  pleasure's  placid  wave, 

His  life  a  summer's  day. 


644  VIRTUE. 


And  I  was  caught  in  folly's  snare, 

And  join'd  her  giddy  train, 
But  found  her  soon  the  nurse  of  care 

And  punishment,  and  pain. 

There  surely  is  some  guiding  pow'r 

Which  rightly  suffers  wrong, 
Gives  vice  to  bloom  its  little  hour, 

But  virtue  late  and  long.  Camoens. 


O  Thou !  by  whose  almighty  nod  the  scale 

Of  empire  rises,  or  alternate  falls, 

Send  forth  the  saving  virtues  round  the  land 

In  bright  patrol :  white  peace  and  social  love ; 

The  tender-looking  charity,  intent 

On  gentle  deeds,  and  shedding  tears  through  smiles  ; 

Undaunted  truth,  and  dignity  of  mind  : 

Courage  composed  and  keen  ;  sound  temperance, 

Healthful  in  heart  and  look  ;  clear  chastity, 

With  blushes  reddening  as  she  moves  along, 

Disordered  at  the  deep  regard  she  draws  ; 

Hough  industry  ;  activity  untired, 

With  copious  life  informed,  and  all  awake. 

Thomson. 

Virtue  with  peculiar  charms  appears 

Crowned  with  the  garland  of  life's  blooming  years. 

Coicper. 

While  virtue  lends  a  zest  to  joy, 

And  bliss  to  rapture  warms, 
Our  very  tears  she  turns  to  smiles, 

And  every  pang  disarms. 

But  vice  her  foul  circean  cup 

May  medicate  in  vain : 
E'en  in  her  mirth  some  sorrow  lurks, 

In  all  her  pleasures,  pain. 

Since  this,  with  voice  from  heav'n,  proclaims 

That  He  that  rules  above, 
Doth  on  the  side  of  virtue  stand, 

Let  fear  be  lost  in  love.  C.  C.  Colion. 


VIRTUE.  645 


Know  thou  this  truth,  (enough  for  man  to  know,) 
Virtue  alone  is  happiness  below.  Pope. 

Virtue,  the  strength  and  beauty  of  the  soul, 
Is  the  best  gift  of  heaven  :  a  happiness 
That  e'en  above  the  smiles  and  frowns  of  fate 
Exalts  great  nature's  favourites  ;  a  wealth 
That  ne'er  encumbers,  nor  can  be  transferred. 
Riches  are  oft  by  guilt  and  baseness  earned, 
Or  dealt  by  chance  to  shield  a  lucky  knave ; 
Or  throw  a  cruel  sunshine  on  a  fool. 
But  for  one  end,  one  much  neglected  use, 
Are  riches  worth  your  care  :  for  nature's  wants 
Are  few,  and  without  opulence  supplied. 
This  noble  end  is  to  produce  the  soul ; 
To  show  the  virtues  in  their  fairest  light ; 
To  make  humanity  the  minister 
Of  bounteous  Providence  ;  and  lend  the  breast 
That  generous  luxury  the  Gods  enjoy. 

Dr.  Armstrong. 

Virtue  in  itself  commands  its  happiness, 

Of  every  outward  object  independent.  Francis. 

J  irtue 
Stands  like  the  sun,  and  all  which  rolls  around 
Drinks  life,  and  light,  and  glory,  from  her  aspect. 

Byron. 

The  discipline  of  slavery  is  unknown 

Among  us, — hence  the  more  do  we  require 

The  discipline  of  virtue;  order  else 

Cannot  subsist,  nor  confidence,  nor  peace — 

Thus  duties  rising  out  of  good  possest, 

And  prudent  caution  needful  to  avert 

Impending  evil,  equally  require, 

That  the  whole  people  should  be  taught  and  trained. 

So  shall  licentiousness  and  black  resolve 

Be  rooted  out,  and  virtuous  habits  take 

Their  place  ;  and  genuine  piety  descend 

Like  an  inheritance,  from  age  to  age. 

Wordsworth. 


646  visions. 


VISIONS. 

And  God  spake  unto  Israel  in  the  visions  of  the  night.— Genesis 
xlvi.  2. 

Now  a  thing  was  secretly  brought  to  me.  and  mine  ear  received  a 
little  thereof. 

In  thoughts  from  the  visions  of  the  night,  when  deep  sleep  falleth 
on  men.— Job,  iv.  12,  13. 

Our  revels  now  are  ended :  these  our  actors, 
As  I  foretold  you,  were  all  spirits,  and 
Are  melted  into  air,  into  tliin  air ; 
And,  like  the  baseless  fabric  of  this  vision, 
The  cloud-capt  towers,  the  gorgeous  palaces, 
The  solemn  temples,  the  great  globe  itself, 
Yea,  all  which  it  inherit,  shall  dissolve  ; 
And,  like  this  insubstantial  pageant  faded 
Leave  not  a  rack  behind !  Shakspere. 

Visions  and  inspirations  some  expect 

Their  course  here  to  direct. 
Like  senseless  chemists,  their  own  wealth  destroy, 

Imaginary  gold  to  enjoy. 
So  stars  appear  to  drop  to  us  from  the  sky, 
And  gild  the  passage  as  they  fly ; 
But  when  they  fall,  and  meet  the  opposing  ground, 
What  but  a  sordid  slime  is  found !  Cowley. 

The  days  of  old,  in  vision, 

Bring  vanish'd  bliss  to  view, 
The  years  of  lost  fruition 

Their  joys  in  pangs  renew  : 
Remember'd  songs  of  gladness, 

Through  night's  lone  silence  brought 
Strike  notes  of  deeper  sadness 

And  stir  desponding  thought.      J.  Montgomery . 

Such  castles  we  build  too,  on  life's  ocean  rising 
Frail  phantoms  of  wishes  the  future  disguising — 
They  meet  us  at  eve  when  vague  fancies  are  flowing, 
But  melt  in  thin  air  when  the  daylight  is  glowing, 
Alas !  could  such  visions  indeed  be  our  own,  [delight  — 
When  approached  and  possessed,  they  would  cease  to 
But  so  long  as  they  skirt  the  horizon's  dim  zone. 
They  e'er  seem  enticing,  empurpled,  and  bright ! 

W.  H.  Leatham. 


voice.  647 


VOICE. 


Tiik   run--    of    the  Lord    La    upon    the    waters,   the  G^i   oi    irlon 
thundenth. 

Tlie  voice  of  the  Lord  i>  powerful ;  the   voice  of  the  Lord  is  full  of 
majesty.— Psalm  xxix.  3.  1. 

A  fool's  voice  is  known  by  multitude  of  words. — Ecclesiastes.  v.  8. 

The  Lord  shall  cause  his  glorious  voice  to  be  heard. — Isaiah,  xxx.  80. 

Let  me  Thy  voice  betimes  i'  the  morning  hear ! 
Call,  and  I  '11  come ;  say  Thou  the  when  and  where: 
Draw  me  but  first,  aad  after  Thee  I  '11  run. 
And  halt  not  once  until  my  race  be  done.  Herrick. 

There  seems  a  voice  in  every  gale, 

A.  tongue  in  every  opening  flower, 
Which  tells,  O  God,  the  wondrous  tale 

Of  Thy  indulgence,  love,  and  power  : 
The  birds,  that  rise  on  quivering  wing, 

Appear  to  hymn  their  Maker's  praise, 
And  all  the  mingling  sounds  of  Spring 

To  Thee  a  general  anthem  raise.  Mrs.  Opie. 

There  is  a  tongue  in  every  leaf, — 

A  voice  in  every  rill  ; — 
A  voice  that  speaketh  everywhere, 
In  flood  and  fire,  through  earth  and  air  ! 

A  tongue  that  's  never  still ! 
'T  is  the  Great  Spirit,  wide  diffused 

Through  every  thing  we  see, 
That  with  our  spirits  communeth, 
Of  things  mysterious — life  and  death, 

Time  and  eternity.  Afigs  Bowles. 

The  voice  of  the  Lord  on  the  ocean  is  known, 

The  God  of  eternity  thuudereth  abroad; 
The  voice  of  the  Lord  from  the  depth  of  his  throne 

Is  terror  and  power ; — all  nature  is  awed. 
The  voice  of  the  Lord  through  the  calm  of  the  wood 

Awakens  its  echoes,  strikes  light  through  its  caves : 
The  Lord  sitteth  King  on  the  turbulent  flood, 

The  winds  are  his  servants,  his  servants  the  waves. 

J.  Montgomery. 


648  WAITING. 


WAITING. 

Lead  me  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me :  for  thou  art  the  God  of  my 
salvation ;  on  thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day. — Psalm  xxv.  5. 

Wait  on  the  Lord  :   be   of   good   courage,  and   he   shall  strengthen 
thine  heart:  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord.— Psalm  xxvii.  14. 

The  Lord  is  a   God  of  judgment :   blessed   are   all  they  that  wait 
for  him.— Isaiah,  xxx.  18. 

The  Lord  direct  your  heat  into  the  love  of   God,   and  into   the 
patient  waiting  for  Christ.— II.  Thessalonians,  hi.  5. 


They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  icait.  Milton. 

How  difficult  the  task  to  icait 

For  promises  to  be  fulfilled, 
To  stand,  and  watch,  and  hope,  though  late 

The  coming  glory  be  revealed. 

To  feel  and  know  the  sun  will  rise, 

And  patiently  endure  the  night, 
With  eye  of  faith,  through  gloomy  skies, 

To  see  afar  the  dawning  light. 

Full  many  a  fiery  soul  would  dare 
The  scorn  of  man,  the  martyr's  stake, 

Whose  eager  spirit  could  not  bear, 
Humbly  to  wait  for  Jesu's  sake. 

We  ask  for  some  great  thing  to  do, 

Some  mighty,  herculean  task, 
And  always  doubt  that  God  is  true, 

Because  he  grants  not  what  we  ask. 

We  sow,  and  look  to  see  the  grain 
Bend  with  its  weight  the  golden  ears ; 

We  pray,  and  deem  our  prayers  are  vain, 
Because  in  heaven  no  sign  appears. 

Oh,  give  to  me  the  christian's  mind, 

Neither  depressed,  nor  yet  elate, 
If  active  service  be  assigned, 

Or  patiently  to  watch  and  wait, 
And  still  a  patient  joy  to  find, 

Whatever  be  my  earthly  state.  Egone. 


walking.  649 


WALKING. 

ENOCH  miked  with  God.     Genesis,  v.  24. 

I  will  walk  before  God  in  the  land  of  the  Bring.— Psalm  c.wi.  9. 

He  that    mdketh  uprightly  walteth  surely  :    but  Ik-  that  perrerteth 
his  ways  shall  be  known.     Proverbs,  x.  :». 

Can  two  iralk  toother,  except  they  be  agreed!— Am. •>,  iii.  ;:. 

0  fob  a  closer  walk  with  God, 
A  calm  and  heavenly  frame, 

A  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. 

Where  is  the  blessedness  I  knew 

When  first  I  saw  the  Lord  ? 
Where  is  the  soul-refreshing  view 

Of  Jesus  and  his  word  P 

Eeturn,  O  holy  Dove  !  return, 
Sweet  messenger  of  rest ! 

1  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn, 
And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 

Whate'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne. 

And  worship  only  thee. 

So  shall  my  wall-  be  close  with  God, 

Calm  and  serene  my  frame; 
So  purer  light  shall  mark  the  road 

That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb.  Cou-per. 

Lelightfu!  record!  Enoch  walked  with  God: 
How  great  his  happiness  sublime  and  pure ! 
Here  all  is  excellence — all  solid  bliss, 
And  all  of  heaven  that  can  be  found  below. 
O,  while  I  dwell  a  sojourner  on  earth, 
With  steadfast  purpose  may  I  walk  with  God! 
And  though  I  cannot  shun  the  gates  of  death, 
I  soon  shall  triumph  in  immortal  peace. 

Joseph  Jones. 


650  WANDEE. 


WANDER. 

Thou  tellest  my  wanderings:  put  thou  my  tears  into  thy  bottle  :  are 
they  not  in  thy  book? — Psalm  lvi.  8. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  unto  this  people,  Thus  have  they  loved  to  wan- 
der, they  have  not  refrained  their  feet,  therefore  the 'Lord  doth  not 
accept  them. — Jeremiah,  xiv.  10. 


The  rolling  planets,  and  the  glorious  sun, 

Still  keep  that  order  which  they  first  begun  ; 

They  their  first  lesson  constantly  repeat, 

Which  their  Creator,  as  a  law,  did  set. 

Above,  below,  exactly  all  obey  : 

But  wretched  men  have  found  another  way. 

Knowledge  of  good  and  evil  as  at  first 

(That  vain  persuasion)  keeps  them  still  accurst. 

The  sacred  word  refusing  as  a  guide, 

Slaves  they  become  to  luxury  and  pride, 

As  clocks  remaining  in  the  skilful  hand 

Of  some  great  master,  at  the  figure  stand, 

But,  when  abroad,  neglected  they  do  go, 

At  random  strike,  and  the  false  hour  do  show  ; 

So  from  our  Maker  wandering  we  stray, 

Like  birds  that  know  not  to  their  nests  the  way 

In  Him  we  dwelt  before  our  exile  here, 

And  may,  returning,  find  contentment  there, 

True  joy  may  find,  perfection  of  delight, 

Behold  His  face,  and  shun  eternal  night. 

Waller. 

O  Lord,  my  God,  I  wandered  have 

As  one  that  runs  astray, 
And  have  in  thought,  and  word,  and  deed, 

In  idleness  and  play, 
Offended  sore  Thy  Majesty 

In  heaping  sin  to  sin, 
And  yet  Thy  mercy  hath  me  spared, 

So  gracious  hast  Thou  been ! 
0  Lord,  my  faults  I  now  confess, 

And  sorry  am  therefore  ; 
But  not  so  much  as  fain  I  would : 

O  Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  more  ? 

Win.  H  minis. 


WANT.  651 

WANT. 

Foil  want  and  famine  they  wen'  solitary.     Job.  xxx.  ;!. 

That  which  i>  wanting  cannot  be  numbered.    EccleeiasteB,  i.  l">. 

Thou  art  weighed  in  the  balances,  and  art  found  wanting.— Daniel, 
87. 

Want  is  a  bitter  and  hateful  good, 
Because  its  virtues  are  not  understood. 
Yet  many  things,  impossible  to  thought, 
Have  been,  by  need,  to  full  perfection  brought. 
Sharpness  of  wit,  and  active  diligence ; 
Prudence  at  once,  and  fortitude  it  gives, 
And,  if  in  patience  taken,  mends  our  lives ; 
For  even  that  indigence  that  brings  me  low, 
Makes  me  myself,  and  Him  above,  to  know. 


Dryd> 


en. 


Lord,  grant,  oh  grant  me  thy  compassion, 

For  I  in  thee  my  trust  have  placed ; 
Display  thy  wings  for  my  salvation, 
Until  my  griefs  are  overpast. 

To  thee  I  sue,  oh  God  most  high, 
To  thee  that  canst  all  want  supply. 

George  Wither. 

On  God  for  all  events  depend ; 

You  cannot  want  when  God  's  your  friend. 

Weigh  well  your  part,  and  do  your  best ; 

Leave  to  your  Maker  all  the  rest. 

The  hand  which  formed  thee  in  the  womb, 

Guides  from  the  cradle  to  the  tomb.  Cotton. 


Father,  't  is  thine  each  day  to  yield 

Thy  children's  wants  a  fresh  supply  ; 
Thou  cloth'st  the  lilies  of  the  field, 

And  hearest  the  young  ravens  cry  ; 
On  thee  we  cast  our  care,  we  live 

Through  thee,  who  know'st  our  every  need. 
O  feed  us  with  thy  grace,  and  give 

Our  souls  this  day  the  living  bread  ! 

J.  V  eslcy. 


652  war. 

WAE. 

COME  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord  : 

He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end  of  the  earth ;  he  breaketh 
the  bow,  and  cutteth  the  spear  in  sunder ;  he  burneth  the  chariot  in 
the  fire.— Psalm  xlvi.  8,  9. 

They  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plowshares,  and  their  spears  into 
pruning  hooks  :  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither 
shall  they  learn  war  any  more. — Isaiah,  ii.  4. 

Prom  whence  come  wars  and  fightings  among  you?  come  they  not 
hence,  even  of  your  lusts  that  war  in  your  members  ?— James,  iv.  1. 

O  wae,  thou  sou  of  hell, 
"Whom  augry  heaveus  do  make  their  minister ! 

Shakspere. 
O,  shame  to  meu,  devil  with  devil  damued 
Firm  concord  holds,  meu  ouly  disagree 
Of  creatures  rational,  though  under  hope 
Of  heavenly  grace,  and  (rod  proclaiming  peace, 
Yet  live  in  hatred,  enmity,  and  strife 
Among  themselves,  and  levy  cruel  wars, 
Wasting  the  earth,  each  other  to  destroy ; 
As  if,  (which  might  induce  us  to  accord,) 
Man  had  not  hellish  foes  enough  besides, 
That  day  and  night  for  his  destruction  wait. 

Milton. 
Rash,  fruitless  war,  from  wanton  glory  wag'd 
Is  ouly  splendid  murder.  Thomson. 

O  war  ! — what,  what  art  thou  ? 
At  once  the  proof  and  scourge  of  man's  fall'n  state  ? 
After  the  brightest  conquest,  what  appears 
Of  all  thy  glories  ?  for  the  vanquish'd  chains ! 
For  the  proud  victors,  what  ?  alas !  to  reign 
O'er  desolated  nations  !  Hannah  More. 

War,  horrid  war  !  oh!  would  ye  understand 
That  direful  word — that  scourge  of  every  land, 
Oh!  then  peruse  the  well-known  leaves  that  time 
Himself  hath  traced  in  characters  sublime : 
Consult  the  archives  of  many  a  vast  domain 
Where  pomp,  and   power,  and  crime  once  held  their 
reign, 


WAR.  653 

And  view  with  retrospective  eye 

TV  Imperial  States  whose  awful  destiny 

It  was  to  fade,  decay,  and  disappear, 

With  scarce  a  trace  to  say  "  "We  once  were  here  !" 

Yet  wars  and  battles  mark'd  their  passing  day 

With  strife  tumultuous,  and  wild  affray. 

Count  Frederick  Von  ErJach. 

The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war, 

A  kingly  crown  to  gain  ; 
His  blood  red  banner  streams  afar, — 

Who  follows  in  his  train? 

Who  best  can  drink  his  cup  of  woe. 

Triumphant  over  pain  ; 
Who  patient  bears  his  cross  below. 

He  follows  in  his  train. 

The  martyr  first,  whose  eagle  eye 

Could  pierce  beyond  the  grave  ; 
Who  saw  his  Master  in  the  sky, 

And  called  on  Him  to  save. 

Like  him,  with  pardon  on  his  tongue. 

In  midst  of  mortal  pain, 
He  prayed  for  them  who  did  the  wroni:. — 

Who  follows  in  his  train  ? 

A  glorious  band,  the  chosen  few 

On  whom  the  Spirit  came! 
Twelve  valiant  saints,  their  hopes  they  knew, 

And  mocked  the  cross  and  flame. 

They  met  the  tyrant's  brandished  steel. 

The  lion's  gory  mane ; 
They  bow'd  their  necks  the  death  to  fe  I, — 

Who  follows  in  their  train? 

A  noble  army — men  and  boys. 

The  matron  and  the  maid, 
Around  their  Saviour's  throne  rejoice, 

In  robes  of  light  array'd, 

They  climbed  the  steep  ascent  of  Heaven, 

Through  peril,  toil,  and  pain; 
O  God,  to  us  may  grace  be  given, 

To  follow  in  their  train!  Bishop  Heber. 


654  war. 

Secure  from  actual  tea) fare,  we  have  loved 

To  swell  the  war-whoop,  passionate  for  war  ! 

Alas  !  for  ages  ignorant  of  all 

Its  ghastlier  workings,  famine,  or  blue  plague, 

Battle  or  siege,  or  flight  through  wintry  snows  ! 

"We,  this  whole  people,  have  been  clamorous 

For  war  and  bloodshed ;  animating  sports, 

The  which  we  pay  for  as  a  thing  to  talk  of; 

Spectators  and  not  combatants  !     No  guess 

Anticipative  of  a  wrong  unfelt, 

No  speculation  or  contingency, 

However  dim  and  vague,  too  vague  and  dim 

To  yield  a  justifying  cause  ;  and  forth, 

Stuffed  out  with  big  preamble,  holy  names 

And  adjurations  of  the  God  in  heaven, 

We  send  our  mandates  for  the  certain  death 

Of  thousands  and  ten  thousands !     Boys  and  girls, 

And  women  that  would  groan  to  see  a  child 

Pull  off  an  insect's  leg,  all  read  of  war, 

The  best  amusement  for  our  morning's  meal ! 

The  poor  wretch  who  has  learnt  his  only  prayer 

From  curses,  who  knows  scarcely  words  enough 

To  ask  a  blessing  from  his  heavenly  Father, 

Becomes  a  fluent  phraseman,  absolute 

And  technical  in  victories  and  defeats, 

And  all  our  dainty  terms  for  fratricide ; 

Terms  which  we  trundle  smoothly  o'er  our  tongues 

Like  mere  abstractions,  empty  sounds,  to  which 

We  join  no  feeling,  and  attach  no  form  ! 

As  if  the  soldier  died  without  a  wound ; 

As  if  the  fibres  of  this  godlike  frame 

Were  gored  without  a  pang  ;  as  if  the  wretch 

Who  fell  in  battle,  doing  bloody  deeds, 

Passed  off  to  heaven,  translated,  and  not  killed; 

As  though  he  had  no  wife  to  pine  for  him, 

JSTo  G-od  to  judge  him.  Coleridge. 

Of  all  the  murderous  trades  by  mortals  plied, 

'T  is  war  alone  that  never  violates 

The  hallowed  day  by  simulate  respect — 

By  hypocritic  rest;  no,  no,  the  work  proceeds. 

From  sacred  pinnacles  are  hung  the  flags 


wab.  655 

That  give  the  sign  to  slip  the  leash  for  slaughter, 
The  bells  whose  knoll  a  lioly  calmness  poured 
Into  the  good  man's  breast,  whose  sound  consoled 
The  sick,  the  poor,  the  old — perversion  dire ! 
Pealing  with  sulphurous  tongue,  speak  death-fraught 

words. 
Prom  morn  to  eve  destruction  revels  frenzied, 
Till  at  the  hour  when  peaceful  vesper  chimes 
Were  wont  to  sooth  the  ear,  the  trumpet  sounds 
Pursuit,  and  flight  altern  ;  and  for  the  song 
Of  larks  descending  to  their  grass-bowered  homes, 
The  croak  of  flesh-gorged  ravens,  as  they  slake 
Their  thirst  in  hoof-prints  filled  with  gore,  disturbs 
The  stupor  of  the  dying  man  ;  while  death 
Triumphantly  sails  down  the  ensanguined  stream, 
On  corses,  throned  and  crowned  with  shivered  boughs, 
That  erst  hung  imaged  in  the  crystal  tide. 

Grahame. 

When  war  the  demon  lifts  his  banner  high 
And  loud  artillery  rends  the  affrighted  sky  ; 
Swords  clash  with  swords,  on  horses  horses  rush, 
Man  tramples  man,  and  nations  nations  crush, 
Death  his  vast  scythe  with  sweep  enormous  wields  ; 
And  shuddering  pity  quits  the  ensanguined  fields. 

Dr.  Darwin. 

How  like  a  fiend  may  man  be  made, 
Plying  the  foul  and  monstrous  trade 
Whose  harvest-field  is  human  life, 
Whose  sickle  is  the  reeking  sword! 
Quenching,  with  reckless  hands  in  blood, 
Sparks  kindled  by  the  breath  of  God. 

.7.  G.  Whittier. 

Such  is  war ! 
O  heavens !  when  will  the  spiritual  Sun  arise, 
And  with  His  beams  effulgent,  drive  away 
The  mists  of  error  that  so  long  have  hung 
Their  dark,  unnatural  drapery  o'er  the  mind, 
That  broods  o'er  human  carnage!  when  will  man 
Turn  from  the  path  of  Cain,  and  learn  to  see 
A  brother  without  hating  ?  Rufas  Dawes. 


656  WATCHING. 


WATCHING. 

WATCH  and  pray,  that   ye  enter  not  into  temptation.— Matthew, 
xxvi.  41. 

What  I  say  unto  you  I  say  unto  all   Watch.— Mark,  xhi.  o7. 
If   therefore  thou  shalt  not    watcli,  I  will  come  on  thee  as  a  thief, 
and  thou  shalt  not  know  what  hour  I  will  come  upon  thee.— Her.  iii.  ::. 

The  towers  of  heaven  are  filled 
With  armed  ivatch,  that  render  all  access 
Impregnable.  Milton. 

Faithful  soul,  pray  always;  pray, 

And  still  in  God  confide  ; 
He  thy  feeble  step  shall  stay, 

Nor  suffer  thee  to  slide  ; 
Lean  on  thy  Redeemer's  breast ; 

He  thy  quiet  spirit  keeps, 
Rest  in  him,  securely  rest ; 

Thy  Watchman  never  sleeps. 

Neither  sin,  nor  earth,  nor  hell, 

Thy  keeper  can  surprise ; 
Careless  slumbers  cannot  steal 

On  his  all-seeing  eyes; 
He  is  Israel's  sure  defence; 

Israel  all  his  care  shall  prove, 
Kept  by  watchful  providence, 

And  ever-wakeful  love.  C.  Wesley. 

Watch  o'er  my  lips,  and  guard  them,  Lord, 

From  ev'ry  rash  and  heedless  word  ; 

Nor  let  my  feet  incline  to  tread 

The  guilty  path  where  sinners  lead.  Watts. 

In  time  of  tribulation, 

Hear,  Lord,  my  feeble  cries  ; 
With  humble  supplication, 

To  thee  my  spirit  flies; 
My  heart  with  grief  is  breaking, 

Scarce  can  my  voice  complain  : 
Mine  eyes,  with  tears  kept  waking, 

Still  watch  and  weep  in  vain. 

J.  Montgomery. 


657 


WATER. 


He  hath  composed  the  waters  with  bounds,  until  the  day  and  night 
oome  to  an  end.— Job.  xx 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  when  thou  passest  through  the  voters.  I  will 
be  with  thee ;  and  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  OTerflow  thee. 
—Isaiah,  xliii.  1.  2. 

Ho,  even-  mie  that  thirsteth.  come  ye  to  the  waters. — Isaiah,  lv.  1. 

Ho  !  every  one  that  thirsts,  draw  nigh. 

('T  is  God  invites  si  fallen  race  ;) 
Mercy  and  free  salvation  buy  ; 

Buy  wine,  and  milk,  and  gospel  grace. 
Come  to  the  living  waters,  come ! 

Sinners,  obey  your  Maker's  call ; 

Beturn,  ye  weary  wanderers  home, 

And  find  my  grace  is  free  for  all. 

See  from  the  Kock  a  fountain  rise, 

For  you,  in  healing  streams,  it  rolls  ; 
Money  ye  need  not  bring,  nor  price. 
Ye  labouring,  burden'd,  sin-sick  souls. 

C.  Wesley. 
Come  hither  ye  that  thirst, 
Come  to  the  waters  free, 
With  a  blithesome  bound  and  a  joyful  burst. 
Like  a  bird  in  its  liberty. 

Drink  at  this  holy  spring. 
That  flows  for  ever  bright. 
Oh.  hasten  in  faith !  make  wing,  make  wing, 
'T  is  a  well  of  sweet  delight. 

This  living  water  flows 
Not  heedlessly,  nor  vain  ; 
Drink,  it  a  fountain  of  life  bestows, 
Ye  never  can  thirst  again. 

Man's  heart,  that  barren  place, 
Shall  blossom  like  the  rose, 
Grow  fertile  in  love,  and  abound  in  grace. 
Wherever  that  water  flows. 

And  every  plant  shall  show 
Clusters  of  goodly  fruit. 
While  all  who  gaze,  in  delight  may  know, 

That  Christ  is  at  its  root. 
*  2  u 


658  WATER. 


What  fruit  each  plant  may  bring, 
Is  his,  and  only  his  ; 
For  He  the  lovely  and  constant  spring 

Of  living  water  is.  W.  Martin. 

Come  let  me  view  the  wonder !     Let  me  look 

On  nature  in  her  grandeur  and  her  power ; 
Heading  the  fairer  portions  of  her  book, 

I  may  have  missed  her  in  her  solemn  hour, 

Searching  fresh  beauty  in  each  wildling  flower, 
And  melody  in  every  woodland  song ; 

I  have  not  seen  her  when  her  features  lower, 
Or  known  the  terrors  that  to  God  belong, 
Not  viewing,  in  his  might,  the  terrible,  the  strong ! 
Come,  let  me  look  into  the  vast  abyss, 

See  the  great  rush,  the  whirlwind  and  the  storms ; 
Hear  the  "vast  hell"  where  oceans  "howl"  and  "hiss," 

And  fell  destruction  loveliness  deforms. 

Where  is  the  horror  which  so  much  alarms, 
At  which  alike  timid  and  strong  turn  back  ? 

I  hear  no  howls.     I  see  no  horrid  forms  ; 
Nor  dream  of  nations  or  of  nature's  wrack, 
I  see  a  mighty,  but  a  lovely  cataract. 
No  terrors  sit  upon  its  smiling  brow, 

There  sunshine  plays  upon  the  waters  clear; 
And  as  it  pours  its  mighty  flood  below, 

Sunshine  and  glory  make  their  dwelling  there  : 

I  wonder  and  admire,  but  cannot  fear, 
All  is  so  lovely  and  so  beautiful. 

See!  the  blessed  bow  of  many  tints  is  here, 
A  seven-fold  bow  of  promised  safety  full, 
Spanning  the  glorious  whole,  each  rising  fear  to  lull. 
Pour  on  for  ever,  thou  mighty  flood, 

Thy  stream  of  goodness  thus.     For  ever  flow, 
Unchanging  emblem  of  infinitude, 

Nor  deem  thy  bounty  needs  a  course  more  slow, 

Unmeasured  fountains  pour  their  wealth  below, 
Where  diamond  wells  in  deep  concealment  lie ; 

And  constant  streams  that  never  ebb  can  know, 
For  ever  flowing,  bring  their  rich  supply, 
Fed  by  eternal  streams — springs  which  can  never  dry. 

W.  F.  Rock. 


waves.  659 


WAVES. 

Hitherto  shalt  thou  conic,  but  no  further:  and  here  shall  thy 
proud  wares  be  stayed.— Job,  xxxviii.  11. 

Fear  ye  not  me?  saith  the  Lord  :  will  ye  not  tremble  at  my  presence, 
which  have  placed  the  sand  for  the  bound  of  the  sea  by  a  perpetual 
decree,  that  it  cannot  pass  it  :  and  though  the  iMvei  thereof  toss 
themselves,  yet  can  they  not  prevail ;  tb.0u.2h  they  roar,  yet  can  they 
not  pass  over  it  ?— Jeremiah,  v.  88. 


Deep  calleth  unto  deep.     And  what  are  we, 
That  hear  the  question  of  that  voice  sublime  ? 
O,  what  are  all  the  notes  that  ever  rung 
From  war's  vain  trumpet,  by  thy  thundering  side ! 
Yea,  what  is  all  the  riot  man  can  make 
In  his  short  life,  to  thy  unceasing  roar ! 
And  yet,  bold  babbler,  what  art  thou  to  Him 
Who  drowned  a  world,  and  heaped  the  waters  far 
Above  its  loftiest  mountains? — a  light  wave, 
That  breaks,  and  whispers  of  its  Maker's  might. 

J.  G.  C.  Brainard. 

Thou,  Thou  alone,  with  whom,  enthroned  on  high, 

Sits  co-essential  wisdom,  bad'st  subside 

The  valleys,  and  the  mountains,  from  amidst 

Th'  o'erwhelming  moisture,  heave  their  brow  sublime. 

The  liquid  troops,  obedient  to  Thy  voice, 

Fled  to  the  appointed  station.     Thou  a  bound 

Hast  set,  they  cannot  pass  ;  nor  ever  spread 

Their  flowing  mantle  o'er  th'  invested  earth: 

Thou  to  the  sea  sayest, — Hitherto  advance, 

And  here  thy  proud  licentious  waves  be  stayed. 

George  Bally. 

How  oft  the  ruddy  cheek  will  pale 

To  leave  the  earth  behind ! 
How  oft  the  glowing  heart  will  quail 

Before  the  tempest  wind  ! 
We  fear  the  billow's  dash,  but  why  ? 

There  's  One  to  guard  and  save ; 
There  's  One  whose  wide  and  watchful  eye 

Sleeps  not  above  the  icave. 

Eliza  Cook. 


660  WAY. 

WAY. 

SHOW  rne  thy  ways,  O  Lord:  teach  rue  thy  paths. — Psalm  xxv.  4. 

Jesus  saith  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life. — John,  xiv.  6. 

The  icay  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord. — Proverbs, 
xv.  9. 

Thou  canst  accomplish  all  things,  Lord  of  might! 

And  every  thought  is  naked  to  Thy  sight. 

But  O,  Thy  iv ays  are  wonderful,  and  lie 

Beyond  the  deepest  reach  of  mortal  eye.  Young. 

To  me,  O  Lord,  be  Thou  "The  Way" 

To  me  be  Thou  "The  Truth  ;" 
To  me,  my  Saviour,  be  "The  Life," 

Thou  Guardian  of  my  youth ! 

So  shall  that  Way  be  my  delight, 

That  Truth  shall  make  me  free ; 
That  Life  shall  raise  me  from  the  dead, 

And  then  I  '11  live  to  thee.         Leigh  Richmond. 

Thou  art  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life— 
And  hearts  that,  with  presumption  rife, 
Would  seek  through  other  means  to  gain 
Light.  Truth,  and  Life,  but  toil  in  vain  : 
Thy  hand  alone  controls  our  way, 
Thy  Truth  bids  darkness  turn  to  day ; 
And  they  Eternal  Life  have  gained 
Whose  names  are  written  on  Thy  Hand. 

S.  D.  Patterson. 

Know  well,  my  soul,  God's  hand  controls 

Whate'er  thou  fearest ; 
Round  Him,  in  calmest  music,  rolls 

Whate'er  thou  hearest. 

What  to  thee  is  shadow,  to  Him  is  day, 

And  the  end  He  knoweth  ; 
And  not  on  a  blind  and  aimless  way 

The  Spirit  goeth.  J.  G.  Wliittier. 


WEAKNE88.  661 


WEAKNESS. 

It  is  good  neither  to  eat  flesh,  nor  to  drink  wine,  nor  anything 
when  hy  thy  brother  stumbleth,  or  is  offended,  or  is  made  weak. — 
Bomans.  xiv.  _(1. 

Comfort  the  feeble-minded,  support  the  treat:— I.  Thessalonians,  v.  14. 

What  weaker  breast, 
Since  Adam's  armour  failed,  dares  warrant  hifl  P 
That,  made  by  God  of  all  his  creatures  best, 
Straight  made  himself  the  worst  of  all  the  rest : 
If  any  strength  we  have,  it  is  to  ill ; 
But  all  the  good  is  God's,  both  power  and  will ; 
The  dead  man  cannot  rise,  though  he  himself  may  kill. 

Giles  Fletcher. 

Ah !  what  are  we,  but  lumps  of  walking  clay  ? 

Why  should  we  swell  ?     Whence  should  our  spirits 
rise? 
Are  not  the  beasts  as  strong,  and  birds  as  gay, 

Trees  longer  lived,  and  creeping  things  as  wise  ? 
Only  our  souls  were  left  an  inward  light, 
To  feel  our  weakness,  and  confess  Thv  might. 

Sir  H.  Wotton. 

Still  let  us,  Lord,  with  grace  be  blest, 

Who  in  thy  guardian  mercy  rest, 

Extend  thv  mercy's  arms  to  me, 

The  weakest  soul  that  trusts  in  Thee ; 

And  never  let  me  lose  thy  love, 

'Till  I,  even  I,  am  crowned  above.  Dryden. 

Oft  have  I  heard  of  Thine  Almighty  power, 

But  never  saw  thee  till  this  dreadful  hour. 

O'erwhelmed  with  shame,  the  Lord  of  life  I  see, 

Abhor  myself,  and  give  my  soul  to  Thee. 

Nor  shall  my  weakness  tempt  Thine  anger  more : 

Man  was  not  made  to  question,  but  adore.  Young. 

Ajid  though  sometimes  Thou  seem'st  Thy  face  to  hide. 
As  one  that  had  withdrawn  his  love  from  me, 

'T  is  that  my  faith  may  to  the  full  be  tried, 
And  that  I  may  thereby  the  better  see 
How  weak  I  am,  when  not  upheld  by  Thee! 

Thomas  JEllwood. 


662  WEALTH. 


WEALTH. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord, 

Wealth  and  riches  shall  be  in  his  house. — Psalm  cxii.  1,  3. 

Wealth  gotten  by  vanity  shall  be  diminished  :  but  he  that  gathereth 
by  labour  shall  increase. — Proverbs,  xiii.  11. 

Let  no   man    seek   his   own,  but    every  man    another's    wealth  — 
I.  Corinthians,  x.  24. 

I  have  no  guide  those  honours  to  obtain, 
Which  men  might  heretofore  by  virtue  gain  ; 
Nor  have  I  wit  if  wealth  were  given  me, 
To  think  bought  place  or  title  honoured  me ; 
I  yet  have  no  belief  that  they  are  wise, 
Who  for  base  ends  can  basely  temporize ; 
Or  that  it  will  at  length  be  all  for  me, 
That  I  lived  poor  to  keep  my  spirit  free. 

I  should  on  God  alone  so  much  depend, 

That  I  should  need  nor  wealth  nor  other  friend. 

Wither. 

Wide-wasting  pest !  that  rages  unconfined, 
And  crowds  with  crimes  the  records  of  mankind ; 
For  gold,  his  sword  the  hireling  ruffian  draws  ; 
For  gold,  the  hireling  judge  distorts  the  laws ; 
Wealth  heaped  on  ivealth,  nor  truth  nor  safety  buys, 
The  dangers  gather  as  the  treasures  rise. 

Dr.  Johnson. 

Glittering  stones,  and  golden  things, 
Wealth  and  honours  that  have  wings, 
Ever  fluttering  to  be  gone, 
I  could  never  call  my  own : 
Riches  that  the  world  bestows, 
She  can  take,  and  I  can  lose; 
But  the  treasures  that  are  mine 
Lie  afar  beyond  her  line, 
When  I  view  my  spacious  soul, 
And  survey  myself  a  whole, 
And  enjoy  myself  alone, 
I  'm  a  kingdom  of  my  own. 

Watts. 


WEARINESS.  663 


WEARINESS. 

Thk  people  shall  weary  themselves  tor  rary  ranity.— Habakkuk, 
ii.  18. 

Consider  him  that  enduxeth  such  contradiction  i>f  sinners  against 
himself,  ket  ye  be  wearied  and  faint  in  your  minds.  -Hebrews,  xii.  ::. 

Let  ns  not  be  weary  in  well  doing.    Gkdatdans,  vi.  9. 

Poob  worldling!  stay  thy  vain  pursuit  of  peace 
In  empty  vanities  :  no  good  can  live 
In  all  the  gilded  charms  that  mock  thee  :  cease 
Thy  hold  on  these ;  loose  every  cord,  and  hear 
The  word  of  God  :  "Come  ye  that  weary  are ! 
Ye  heavy-laden,  come,  and  I  will  give 
You  rest."     O,  heed  that  call!  in  holy  fear, 
In  deep  humility,  bow  down:  the  star 
Of  hope  shall  rise,  and  joy  shall  speak  thy  soul's  release. 

Isaac  F.  Shepard. 
O,  I  am  tveary  of  this  sinful  life ! 
Weary  of  error,  and  yet  erring  still, 
Knowing,  yet  doing  not  Thy  holy  will, 
O,  I  am  weary  of  this  endless  strife ! 
I  ask  not  that  Thou  take  me  from  the  earth, 
But  keep  me  from  its  evils — guide  my  feet, 
And  give  me  strength  its  many  cares  to  meet — 
To  act  all  worthy  of  my  heavenly  birth. 

Mary  J.  Reed. 

Weariness  will  follow  those 

Who  touch  upon  their  journey's  close 

But  as  the  sun,  though  setting,  burns 

Still  brightly,  and  to  glory  turns 

The  very  clouds  that  round  him  roll; 

So,  even  so,  do  thou  my  soul, 

With  in-born  radiance,  more  and  more, 

Illume  the  shades  of  Sixty-four. 

Nay,  let  a  yet  diviner  power 

Glorify  thy  latter  hour : 

Too  long  faithless  and  forlorn 

Earthly  image  thou  hast  borne ; 

Now  that  heavenly  impress  seek, 

Which,  when  flesh  is  frail  and  weak, 

Gives  the  soul  new  power  to  soar 

Eagle-winged,  at  Sixty-four.      Bernard  Barton. 


664  WEEPING. 


WEEPING. 

THOU  shalt  weep  no  more. — Isaiah,  xxx.  19. 

Blessed  are  ye  that  weep  now:  for  ye  shall  laugh.— Luke,  vi.  21. 

Jesus  wept.— John,  xi.  85. 

Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with  them  that  weep. — 
Romans,  xii.  15. 

Though  woe  to  joy !     And  though  at  morn  thou  weep, 

And  though  the  midnight  find  thee  weeping  still, 
Good  cheer!   good   cheer!     The   Shepherd  loves   his 
sheep — 

Resign  thee  to  the  watchful  Father's  will. 

Rosegarten. 
Oh  !  glorious  miracle  of  heavenly  love ! 
Oh  !  wondrous  spectacle  of  saving  grace  ! 
Oh !  sympathy  divine  with  human  woe ! 
He  who  had  conquered  death  did  condescend 
To  weep  over  a  grave  where  others  wept ! 
How  deep  the  lesson — and  how  marvellous 
The  meaning  of  such  sorrow  ! 

Said  it  not ; 
Thy  grief  offends  me  not,  if  it  be  meek, 
Trustful,  and  humble.     I  forbid  not  tears, 
When  they  flow  patiently.     I  would  not  close 
The  springs  of  sympathy.     I  made  ye  thus 
To  cling  one  to  the  other,  and  to  feel 
Each  for  his  neighbour,  both  in  joy  and  woe; 
Yet  teach  your  sorrow  revereuce  ;  and  believe 
That  he  who  smites  you  is  the  Lord  your  God. 

Miss  Pardoe. 

Thou  who  hearest  plaintive  music, 

Or  sweet  songs  of  other  days  ; 

Heaven-revealing  organs  pealing, 

Or  clear  voices  hymning  praise, 

And  would'st  weep,  thou  know'st  not  wherefore, 

Though  thy  soul  is  steeped  in  joy ; 

And  the  world  looks  kindly  on  thee  ; 

And  thy  bliss  hath  no  alloy — 

Weep,  nor  seek  for  consolation, 

Let  the  heaven-sent  droplets  flow, 

They  are  hints  of  mighty  secrets ; 

We  are  wiser  than  we  know.  Charles  Mackay. 


WELL.  665 

WELL. 

Men   will   praise  thee,   when   thou  dosBt    >c>.ll    to  thyself.  — Psalm 
xlix.  18. 

y«  to  the righteous,  that  it  shall  be  ir-ll  with  him.— Isaiah,  iii.  10. 
If  when  ye  do  tall,  and  surfer   bar   it.  \v  take  it   patiently,  this  is 
acceptable  with  God.— I.  Peter,  ii.  30. 

Such  music ! 
Before  was  never  made, 
But  when  of  old  the  sons  of  morning  sung 
Whilst  the  Creator  great 
His  constellations  set, 
And  the  we//-balanced  world  on  hinges  hung. 

Milton. 
To  pray,  without  devotion,  is  to  prate  ; 
And  hearing  is  but  half  our  exercise  : 
We  ought  not,  therefore,  to  regard  aloue 
How  often,  but  how  well,  the  work  be  done. 

George  Wither. 
Circles  are  prais'd,  not  that  abound 
In  largeness,  but  th'  exalted  round  : 
So  life  we  praise  that  does  excel 
Not  in  much  time,  but  acting  well.  Waller. 

Am  I  doing  well  or  ill  ? 

Soul,  a  solemn  question  this! 
Am  I  seeking  to  fulfil 
God's  most  high  and  holy  will, 
Bending  all  mine  efforts  still 

To  attain  eternal  bl 
Am  I  doing  well  or  ill  ? 

Ask  the  world,  and  it  will  say — 
Well,  for  gold  thy  coffers  fill ; 
Thou  hast  learning,  thou  hast  skill, 
Thou  hast  climbed  up  fortune's  hill, 

And  helped  others  on  the  way. 
Am  I  doing  well  or  ill  ? 

Still  recurs  the  solemn  quest  ; 
Worldly  wealth,  and  men's  good  will, 
Cannot  satisfy,  nor  still 
Anxious  doubts,  and  fears  that  fill 

Thee  with  sadness  and  unrest.  Egone. 


666  wife. 


WIFE. 


WHOSO  findeth  a  wife  findeth  a   good  thing,  and  obtaineth  favour 
of  the  Lord. — Proverbs,  xviii.  22. 

A  prudent  wife  is  from  the  Lord. — Proverbs,  xix.  14. 

Seek  a  good  wife  of  thy  God,  for  she  is  the  best  gift  of 

His  Providence ; 
Yet  ask  not  in  bold  confidence  that  which  He  hath  not 

promised : 
Thou  knowest  not  His  good  will : — be  thy  prayer  then 

submissive  thereunto. 
And  leave  thy  petition  to  His  mercy,  assured  that  He 

will  deal  well  with  thee. 
If  thou  art  to  have  a  wife  of  thy  youth,  she  is  now  living 

on  the  earth, 
Therefore  think  of  her,  and  pray  for  her  weal ;  yea, 

though  thou  hast  not  seen  her. 
They   that  love   early  become    like-minded,   and   the 

tempter  toucheth  them  not : 
They  grow  up  leaning  on  each  other,  as  the  olive  and 

the  vine.  Martin  F.  Tapper. 

True  wife  !  fond  wife  !  let  us  together  lean, 
Like  trees  with  intertwining  boughs,  that  so 
Brave  angry  skies,  whatever  winds  may  blow  : 

And,  though  there  interpose  a  cloudy  screen, 

Lift  up  their  heads  towards  the  blue  serene 

From  whence  the  sunbeams,  and  the  rain-drops  flow, 
By  which  they  gather  strength,  and  taller  grow, 

And  keep  their  shoots  and  saplings  fresh  and  green. 

True  wife  I  fond  wife  !  we  have  together  stood, 
Through  years  of  trial,  each  supporting  each, 

Ever  unto  the  infinite  and  good, 

Thy  thoughts  than  mine  have  higher,  wider  reached ; 

And  I  have  felt  how  true  the  wise  one's  word ; 

Thou  art  indeed  a  gift,  a  favour  from  the  Lord  ! 

Egone. 
My  wife!  how  fondly  shall  thy  memory 

Be  shrined  within  the  chamber  of  my  heart ! 
Thy  virtuous  worth  was  only  known  to  me, 
And  I  can  feel  how  hard  it  is  to  part. 

C.  L.  Chester. 


will.  667 

WILL-WILLING. 

Tkach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  niy  God.—  Psalm  cxliii.  10. 
Thy  trill  be  done  in  mirth.  M  it  h  in  heaven.— Matthew,  vi.  10. 
The  world  passeth  away,  and  the  lust   thereof  :   but  he  that  doeth 
the  trill  of  God  abideth  for  ever. — I.  John,  ii.  17. 

"Thy  will  be  done.     And  is  't  not  ever  done  ? 
But,  as  in  heaven,  it  must  be  made  our  own. 
His  will  must  all  our  inclinations  sway, 
Whom  nature,  and  the  universe  obey. 
Happy  the  man,  whose  longings  are  confined 
To  what  has  been  eternally  designed; 
Keferring  all  to  His  paternal  care, 
To  whom  more  dear  than  to  ourselves  we  are ! 

Waller. 
Half  mankind  maintain  a  churlish  strife 
With  Him,  the  Donor  of  eternal  life, 
Because  the  deed,  by  which  His  love  confirms 
The  largess  He  bestows,  prescribes  the  terms. 
Compliance  with  His  will  your  lot  ensures, 
Accept  it  only,  and  the  boon  is  yours. 
And  sure  it  is  as  kind  to  smile  and  give, 
As  with  a  frown  to  say,  Do  this  and  live.  Cowper. 

Thou  Power  Supreme,  whose  mighty  scheme 

These  woe?  of  mine  fulfil, 
Here,  firm,  I  rest,  they  must  be  best, 

Because  they  are  Thv  Will ! 
Then  all  I  want,  (O,  do  Thou  grant 

This  one  request  of  mine,) 
Since  to  enjoy  Thou  dost  deny, 

Assist  me  to  resign.  Burns. 

Lord,  I  submit.     Complete  Thy  gracious  will, 
For,  if  Thou  slay  me,  I  will  trust  Thee  still. 
O,  be  my  will  so  swallowed  up  in  Thine, 
That  I  may  do  Thy  will,  in  doing  mine  ? 

Hannah  More. 
Subdued  and  instructed,  I  bow  to  Thy  will; 
My  hopes  and  my  longings  to  Thee  I  resign ; 
O  give  me  the  heart  that  can  wait  and  be  still, 
Nor  know  of  a  wish  or  a  pleasure  but  thine  ! 

Sir  R.  Grant. 


668  will. 

My  God  and  Father,  while  I  stray 

Far  from  my  home,  on  life's  rough  way, 

0  teach  me  from  the  heart  to  say, 

"Thy  will  be  done  !" 
If  thou  shouldst  call  me  to  resign 
What  most  I  prize,  it  ne'er  was  mine; 

1  only  yield  Thee  what  was  Thine  ; 

"Thy  will  be  done  !" 
Henew  my  will  from  day  to  day, 
Blend  it  with  thine,  and  take  away 
All  that  now  makes  it  hard  to  say, 

"Thy  will  be  done!" 
Then,  when  on  earth,  I  breathe  no  more 
The  prayer,  oft  mix'd  with  tears  before, 
I  '11  sing  upon  a  happier  shore, 

"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Elliott. 

"O  Father!  not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done!" 

So  spake  the  Son. 
Be  this  our  charm,  mellowing  earth's  ruder  noise 

Of  griefs  and  joys — 
That  we  may  cling  for  ever  to  Thy  breast, 

In  perfect  rest!  Keble. 

But  now,  see  where  He  lies 

On  the  cold  ground,  exposed  to  thick,  dank  air, 

And  all  the  fury  of  the  maddening  skies ! 

See  how  each  nerve  and  vein 

Trembles  and  throbs  with  torture !  how  His  eyes 

Start  from  their  seat  with  anguish  and  despair ! 

What  drops  of  sanguine  sweat  roll  down  amain 

From  His  fair  limbs !     "O  Father,  O  remove, 

If  possible,  this  cup,  yet  not  My  will, 

But  Thine  be  done !"     O  agonizing  love ! 

James  Scott. 

Perchance  he  gives  his  thousands  to  the  poor — 
He  well  may  give  what  he  can  use  no  more. 
What  willing  charity  !  gives,  dares  he  say  ? 
He  gives,  but  not  till  Heaven  has  snatched  away. 

Thomas  Ward. 


will.  669 

He  sendeth  sun,  He  sendeth  shower, 
Alike  they  're  needful  to  the  flower  ; 
And  joys  and  tears  alike  are  sent 
To  give  the  soul  fit  nourishment. 
As  conies  to  me  or  cloud  or  sun, 
Father!  Thy  will,  not  mine  be  done. 

Oh,  ne'er  will  I  at  life  repine, 
Enough  that  Thou  hast  made  it  mine. 
Where  falls  the  shadow  cold  of  death. 
I  yet  will  sing  with  parting  breath, 
As  comes  to  me  or  shade  or  sun, 
Father !  Thy  will,  not  mine  be  done. 

Sarah  Flower  Adams. 

It  is  a  short  and  simple  prayer, 

But  't  is  the  Christian's  stay 
Through  every  varied  scene  of  care. 

Until  his  dying  day. 
As  through  the  wilderness  of  life 

Calmly  he  wanders  on, 
His  prayer  in  every  time  of  strife 

Isstifl"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Mary  Anne  Brown. 

By  scale  and  method  works  the  Will  Supreme, 
Nor  clouds,  nor  waves,  without  a  limit  stream  ; 
And  all  the  floods  that  daylight  never  saw, 
The  rayless  tide  of  ruin,  owns  a  law. 

O'er  all  confusions  marring  earth  and  air, 
O'er  all  the  shuddering  hours  of  man's  despair, 
Still  reigns  one  fixed  decree  of  peace  and  love, 
And  still,  though  dim  below,  't  is  bright  above. 

John  Sterling. 

Leaning  on  Him,  make  with  reverent  meekness. 

His  own,  thy  will ; 
And  with  strength  from  Him  shall  thy  utter  weakness 

Life's  task  fulfil ; 

And  that  cloud  itself,  which  now  before  thee 

Lies  dark  in  view. 
Shall,  with  beams  of  light,  for  the  inner  glory. 

Be  stricken  through.  •/.  G.  Mliittier. 


670  WIND. 


WIND. 

STORMY  wind  fulfilling  His  word.— Psalm  cxlviii.  8. 

The  irind  goeth  toward  the  south,  and  turneth  about  unto  the  north, 
it  whirleth  about  continually,  and  the  wind  returneth  again  according 
to  his  circuits. — Ecclesiastes,  i.  6. 

He  that  createth  the  wind,  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Hosts  is  His  name. — 
Amos,  iv.  13. 

The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  conieth.  and  whither  it  goeth  : 
so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  spirit.— John,  hi.  8. 


Winds,  whence  and  whither  do  ye  blow? 

— Ye  must  be  born  again  to  know.  J.  Montgomery. 

God  of  the  chainless  winds  that  wildly  wreck, 

The  moaning  forest,  and  the  ancient  oak 

Rend  like  a  sapling  spray, — and  sweep  the  sand 

O'er  the  lost  caravan, — that  trod  with  pride 

Of  tinkling  bells,  and  camel's  arching  neck, 

The  burning  desert, — a  dense  host  at  morn, 

At  eve,  a  bubble,  on  the  trackless  waste. 

God  of  the  winds  ! — canst  Thou  not  rule  the  heart, 

And  gather  back  its  passions,  when  Thou  wilt, 

Bidding  them,  "Peace — be  still!"  Mrs.  Sigoumey. 

We  come  !  we  come !  and  ye  feel  our  might, 
And  we  're  hastening  on  in  our  boundless  flight, 
And  over  the  mountains,  and  over  the  deep 
Our  broad  invisible  pinions  sweep, 
Like  the  spirit  of  liberty,  wild  and  free  ! 
And  ye  look  on  our  works,  and  own  't  is  we, 
Ye  call  us  the  winds;  but  can  ye  tell 
Whither  we  go,  or  where  we  dwell  ? 

Ye  mark,  as  we  vary  our  forms  of  power, 

And  fell  the  forest,  or  fan  the  flower, 

When  the  harebell  moves,  and  the  rush  is  bent, 

When  the  tower  's  o'erthrown,  and  the  oak  is  rent, 

As  we  waft  the  bark  o'er  the  slumbering  wave, 

Or  hurry  its  crew  to  a  watery  grave  : 

And  ye  say  it  is  we  !  but  can  ye  trace 

The  wandering  winds  to  their  secret  place  ? 


WIND.  671 


And  whether  our  breath  be  loud  and  high, 
Or  come  in  a  soft  and  balmy  sigh, 
Our  threatenings  fill  the  soul  with  fear, 
Or  our  gentle  whisperings  woo  the  ear, 
With  music  aerial,  still  't  is  we. 
And  ye  list,  and  ye  look  ;  but  what  do  ye  see? 
Can  ye  hush  one  sound  of  our  voice  to  peace, 
Or  waken  one  note,  when  our  numbers  cease  ? 

Our  dwelling  is  in  the  Almighty's  hand ; 
We  come  and  we  go  at  His  command : 
Though  joy  or  sorrow  may  mark  our  track, 
His  will  is  our  guide,  and  we  look  not  back  : 
And  if,  in  our  wrath,  ye  would  turn  us  away 
Or  win  us  in  gentlest  air  to  play, 
Then  lift  up  your  hearts  to  Him  who  binds, 
Or  frees  as  he  will,  the  obedient  winds. 

Miss  Gould. 

Ye  viewless  minstrels  of  the  sky ! 
I  marvel  not  on  times  gone  by 

That  ye  were  deified  : 
For  even  on  this  later  day, 
To  me  oft  has  your  power  or  play, 

Unearthly  thoughts  supplied. 

Ye  restless,  homeless,  shapeless  things ! 
Who  mock  all  our  imaginings, 

Like  spirits  in  a  dream  ; 
What  epithet  can  words  supply, 
Unto  the  bard,  who  takes  so  high 

Unmanageable  theme  ? 

But  one : — to  me,  when  fancy  stirs 

My  thoughts,  ye  seem  heaven's  messengers, 

Who  leave  no  path  untrod ; 
And  when,  as  now,  at  midnight  hour, 
I  hear  your  voice  in  all  its  power, 

It  seems  the  voice  of  God.        Bernard  Barton. 

The  wind  breathes  low,  the  withering  leaf 

Scarce  whispers  from  the  tree  ; 
So  gently  flows  the  parting  breath 

When  good  men  cease  to  be.         W.  P.  0.  Peabody. 


672  wisdom. 


WISDOM. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  that  is  wisdom.— Job,  xxviii.  28. 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  inayapply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom.— Psalm  xc.  12. 

Wisdom  is  the  principal  thing  ;  therefore  get  wisdom.— Proverbs, 
iv.  7. 

How  much  better  is  it  to  get  wisdom  than  gold.— Proverbs,  xvi.  16. 

If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God,  that  giveth  to  all 
men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not :  and  it  shall  be  given  him.— James, 
i.  5. 

The  wise,  I  here  observe, 

Are  wise  towards  God,  in  whose  great  service  still, 

More  than  in  that  of  kings,  themselves  they  serve. 

Sir  W.  Davenant. 
He  that  is  of  reason's  skill  bereft, 
And  wants  the  staff  of  wisdom  him  to  stay, 
Is  like  a  ship  in  midst  of  tempest  left, 
Withouten  helm  or  pilot  her  to  sway ; 
Full  sad  and  dreadful  is  that  ship's  event : 
So  is  the  man  that  wants  intendiment.  Spenser. 

Wisdom,  the  antidote  of  sad  despair, 
Makes  sharp  afflictions  seem  not  as  they  are, 
Through  patient  sufferance  ;  and  doth  apprehend, 
Not  as  they  seeming  are,  but  as  they  end. 

Francis  Quarles. 
Wisdom's  self 
Oft  seeks  so  sweet,  retired  solitude ; 
Where,  with  her  best  nurse — contemplation — 
She  plumes  her  feathers,  and  lets  go  her  wings, 
That  in  the  various  bustle  of'  resort 
Were  all  too  muffled,  and  sometimes  impaired. 

Milton. 
All  is  best,  though  we  oft  doubt 

What  the  unsearchable  dispose 
Of  highest  wisdom  brings  about ; 

And  ever  best  found  in  the  close.  Milton. 

So  teach  us,  Lord,  to  count  our  days, 

And  eye  their  constant  race, 
To  measure  what  we  want  in  time. 

By  wisdom  and  by  grace.  Christopher  Pitt. 


WISDOM.  673 


Wisdom  smiles  when  humble  mortals  weep. 
When  sorrow  wounds  the  breast,  as  ploughs  the  glebe, 
And  hearts  obdurate  feel  the  softening  shower, 
Her  seeds  celestial  then  glad  wisdom  sow  s. 
Her  golden  harvest  triumphs  in  the  soil.  Young. 

The  weak  have  remedies,  the  wise  have  joys  : 
Superior  wisdom  is  superior  bliss.  Young. 

When  knowledge,  at  her  Father's  dread  command, 

^Resigned  to  Israel's  king  her  golden  key, 

O,  to  have  joined  the  frequent  auditors 

In  wonder  and  delight,  that  whilom  heard 

Great  Solomon  descanting  on  the  brutes; 

O,  how  sublimely  glorious  to  apply 

To  G-od's  own  honour,  and  good-will  to  man, 

That  wisdom  he  alone,  of  man,  possessed 

In  plenitude  so  rich,  and  cope  so  rare.  Smart. 

Knowledge  and  tvisdom,  far  from  being  one, 
Have  oft-times  no  connexion,  knowledge  dwells 
In  heads  replete  with  thoughts  of  other  men ; 
Wisdom  in  minds  attentive  to  their  own. 
Knowledge,  a  rude  unprofitable  mass, 
The  mere  materials  with  which  wisdom  builds, 
Till  smooth'd  and  squared,  and  fitted  to  its  place, 
Does  but  encumber  whom  it  seems  t'  enrich. 
Knowledge  is  proud  that  he  has  learn'd  so  much, 
Wisdom  is  humble  that  he  knows  no  more.  Cowper. 

Thus  zvisdom's  words  discover 

Thy  glory  and  Thy  grace, 
Thou  everlasting  Lover 

Of  our  unworthy  race ! 
Thy  gracious  eye  surveyed  us 

Ere  stars  were  seen  above  ; 
In  wisdom  Thou  hast  made  us, 

And  died  for  us  in  love.  Cowper. 

When  did  wisdom  covet  length  of  days  ? 
Or  seek  its  bliss  in  pleasure,  wealth,  or  praise? 
No: — wisdom  views  with  an  indifferent  eye 
All  finite  things,  as  blessings  born  to  die. 

Hannah  More. 
*  2  x 


674  wisdom. 


Wisdom  is  humble,  said  the  voice  of  God, 

Tis  proud,  the  world  replied.      Wisdom,  said  God, 

Forgives,  forbears,  and  suffers,  not  for  fear 

Of  man,  but  God.      Wisdom  revenges,  said 

The  world ;  is  quick  and  deadly  of  resentment, 

Thrusts  at  the  very  shadow  of  affront, 

And  hastes,  by  death,  to  wipe  its  honour  clean. 

Wisdom,  said  God,  loves  enemies,  entreats, 

Solicits,  begs  for  peace.      Wisdom,  replied, 

The  world,  hates  enemies,  will  not  ask  peace, 

Conditions  spurns,  and  triumphs  in  their  fall. 

Wisdom  mistrusts  itself,  and  leans  on  Heaven, 

Said  God.     It  trusts  and  leans  upon  itself, 

The  world  replied.      Wisdom  retires,  said  God, 

And  counts  it  bravery  to  bear  reproach, 

And  shame,  and  lowly  poverty,  upright ; 

And  weeps  with  all  who  have  just  cause  to  weep. 

Wisdom,  replied  the  world,  struts  forth  to  gaze, 

Treads  the  broad  stage  with  clamorous  foot, 

Attracts  all  praises,  counts  it  bravery 

Alone  to  wield  the  sword,  and  rush  on  death ; 

And  never  weeps,  but  for  its  own  disgrace. 

Wisdom,  said  God,  is  highest,  when  it  stoops 

Lowest  before  the  Holy  Throne  ;  throws  down 

Its  crown,  abased ;  forgets  itself,  admires, 

And  breathes  adoring  praise.     There  ?cisdom  stoops 

Indeed,  the  world  replied ;  there  stoops,  because 

It  must,  but  stoops  with  dignity ;  and  thinks 

And  meditates,  the  while,  of  inward  worth.         Pollok. 

Come  to  my  aid,  celestial  Wisdom,  come; 
From  my  dark  soul  dispel  the  doubtful  gloom ; 
My  passions  still,  my  purer  breast  inflame, 
To  sing  that  God  from  whom  existence  came. 

Boyse. 

See !  full  of  hope,  thou  trustest  to  the  earth 
The  golden  seed,  and  waitest  till  the  Spring 

Summons  the  buried  to  a  happier  birth ; 
But,  in  Time's  furrow  duly  scattering, 

Think'st  thou  how  deeds,  by  wisdom  sown,  may  be 
Silently  ripen'd  for  eternity?  Schiller. 


WISDOM.  675 


Up  !  't  is  no  dreaming  time !     Awake  !     Awake ! 
For  He  who  sits  on  the  high  Judge's  seat, 
Doth  in  His  record  mark  each  wasted  hour, 
Each  idle  word.     Take  heed  thy  shrinking  soul 
Find  not  their  weight  too  heavy,  when  it  stands 
At  that  dread  bar  from  whence  is  no  appeal. 
Lo,  while  ye  trifle,  the  light  sand  steals  on, 
Leaving  the  hour-glass  empty,  and  thy  life 
Glideth  away ; — stamp  wisdom  on  its  hours. 

Mrs.  Sigourjiey. 
Few  and   precious   are   the   words  which   the   lips   of 

icisdom  utter ; 
To   what   shall   their   rarity  be    likened  ?    what    price 

shall  count  their  worth? 
Perfect  and  much  to  be  desired,  and  giving  joy  with 

riches, 
No  lovely  thing  on  earth  can  picture  all  their  beauty. 
They  be  chance  pearls,  flung  among  the  rocks  by  the 

sullen  waters  of  oblivion, 
"Which  diligence   loveth    to    gather,  and    hang    round 

the  neck  of  memory ; 
They  be  white-winged  seeds  of  happiness,  wafted  from 

the  islands  of  the  blessed. 
Which  thought  carefully  tendeth.  in  the  kindly  garden 

of  the  heart ; 
They  be  sproutings  of  an  harvest  for  eternity,  bursting 

through  the  tilth  of  time, 
Green   promise    of  the   golden   wheat,    that    yieldeth 

angel's  food ; 
They  be  drops  of  the    crystal   dew,  which  the  wings 

of  seraphs  scatter, 
When  on  some  brighter  sabbath,  their  plumes  quiver 

most  with  delight : 
Such,  and  so  precious,  are  the  words  which  the  lips 

of  wisdom  utter.  Martin  F.  Tapper. 

Faith  and  hope 

Will  teach  me  how  to  bear  my  lot ! 
To  think  Almighty  Wisdom  best, 

To  bow  my  head,  and  murmur  not. 
The  chast'ning  hand  of  One  above 

Falls  heavy,  but  I  kiss  the  rod, 
He  gives  the  wound,  and  I  must  trust 

Its  healing  to  the  self-same  God.       Eliza  Cook. 


WITNESS. 


WITNESS. 

A  FAITHFUL  witness  will  not  lie  :  but  a  false  witness  wfll  utter  lies. 
— Proverbs,  xiv.  5. 

If  we  receive  the  witness  of  men,  the  witness  of  God  is  greater :  for 
this  is  the  witness  of  G-od  which  he  hath  testified  of  his  Son. 

He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of   God  hath  the  witness  in  himself. 
—I.  John,  v.  9,  10. 

In  ocean's  wide  domains, 

Half  buried  in  the  sands, 
Like  skeletons  in  chains 

With  shackled  feet  and  hands. 

Beyond  the  fall  of  dews, 

Deeper  than  plummet  lies, 
Float  ships,  with  all  their  crews, 

No  more  to  sink  or  rise. 

There  the  black  slave-ship  swims 

Freighted  with  human  forms, 
Those  fettered,  fleshless  limbs 

Are  not  the  sport  of  storms. 

These  are  the  bones  of  slaves  : 

They  gleam  from  the  abyss ; 
They  cry  from  yawning  waves, 

"  We  are  the  Witnesses .'" 

Within  earth's  wide  domains 

Are  markets  for  men's  lives ; 
Their  necks  are  galled  with  chains, 

Their  wrists  are  cramped  with  gyves. 

Dead  bodies,  that  the  kite 

In  deserts  makes  its  prey ; 
Murders,  that  with  affright 

Scare  school-boys  from  their  play. 

All  evil  thoughts  and  deeds  ; 

Anger,  and  lust,  and  pride ; 
The  foulest,  rankest  weeds, 

That  choke  life's  groaning  tide ! 

These  are  the  woes  of  slaves  ; 

They  glare  from  tbe  abyss ; 
They  cry,  from  unknown  graves  — 

"  We  are  the  Witnesses  I"  Longfellow. 


woe.  677 


WOE. 

WOE  unto  them  that  rise  up  early  in  the  morning,  that  they  may 
follow  strong  drink;  that  continue  until  night,  till  wine  inflame  them. 
— Isaiah,  v.  11. 

Woe  unto  us,  that  we  have  sinned.     Lamentations,  v.  It, 


Venomous  thornes  that  are  so  sharpe  and  kene, 
Bear  flowers  we  see  full  fresh  and  fa)Tre  of  hue, 

Poyson  is  also  put  in  medicine, 

And  unto  man  his  health  doth  oft  renew. 

The  fire  that  all  things  eke  consumeth  clene 
May  hurt  and  heale  ;  then  if  this  be  true, 

I  trust  sometime  my  harm  may  be  my  healthe, 

Since  every  woe  is  joined  with  some  wealth! 

Wyatt. 

Though  life  seem  one  uncomfortable  void, 
Guilt  at  thy  heels,  before  thy  face  despair ; 
Yet,  gay  this  scene,  and  light  this  load  of  woe, 
Compared  with  thy  hereafter.  Bishop  Porteus. 

But,  God  be  thanked !  there  are  moments,  when 
Man,  subdued  by  nature's  mightiest  powers, 
Thinks  even  his  purer  self  the  sport  of  waves. 
In  such  like  moments  't  is  the  Godhead  shows  us 
The  distance  'twixt  itself  and  us, — chastises 
Man's  vain  audacity  to  equal  it, 
And  casts  him  back  to  nothingness  and  woe. 
In  such  like  moments,  even  the  wisest  sinks 
Unto  the  dust :  he,  too,  is  formed  of  dust ; 
But  soon  again  he  rises  purified 
By  Fate's  worst  blast,  and  thus  the  Eternal's  will 
Declares  and  proves  its  own  omnipotence. 

Herder. 

But  dreadful  is  their  doom  whom  doubt  has  driven 
To  censure  fate,  and  pious  hope  forego : 

Like  yonder  blasted  boughs,  by  lightning  riven, 
Perfection,  beauty,  life,  they  never  know, 
But  frown  on  all  that  pass,  a  monument  of  woe. 

Beat  tie. 


678  woe. 

Woe  unto  those  that  with  the  morning  sun 
Rise  to  drink  wine,  and  set  till  he  have  done 
His  weary  course  ;  not  ceasing,  until  night 
Have  quenched  their  understanding  with  the  light. 

Bishop  King. 

The  Son  of  G-od,  in  doing  good, 

Was  fain  to  look  to  Heaven,  and  sigh ; 

And  shall  the  heirs  of  sinful  blood 
Seek  joy  unmixed  in  charity  ? 

God  will  not  let  love's  work  impart 

Full  solace,  lest  it  steal  the  heart ; 

Be  thou  content  in  tears  to  sow, 

Blessing,  like  Jesus,  in  thy  woe.  Keble. 

V03  vobis,  ye  whose  lip  doth  lave 

So  deeply  in  the  sparkling  wine, 
Regardless  though  that  passion  wave 

Shut  from  the  soul  heaven's  light  divine  ; 
Vob  vobis  I — heed  the  trumpet  blast, 

Fly  ere  the  leprous  taint  is  deep, 
Fly  ! — ere  the  hour  of  hope  be  past, 

And  pitying  angels  cease  to  weep. 

Voe  vobis,  ye  who  fail  to  read, 

That  name  which  glows  where'er  ye  tread, 
The  Alpha  of  an  infant  creed, 

The  Omega  of  the  sainted  dead ; 
'T  is  written  where  the  pencill'd  flowers 

Their  tablet  to  the  desert  show, 
And  where  the  mountain's  rocky  towers 

Frown  darkly  on  the  vale  below  ; 

Where  roll  the  wondrous  orbs  on  high, 

In  glorious  order  strong  and  fair, 
In  every  letter  of  the  sky 

That  midnight  graves — 't  is  there — 't  is  there ! 
It  gleams  on  ocean's  wrinkled  brow, 

And  in  the  shell  that  gems  its  shore, 
And  where  the  solemn  forests  bow 

Voe  vobis,  ye,  who  scorn  the  lore. 

L.  H.  Sigourney. 


WOMAN.  679 


WOMAN. 

Who  can  find  ■  virtuous  woman  t  for  her  price  is  far  abore  rubies. 

A   woman  that  feareth    the   Lord.  slu-  shall   be  praised. — Proverbs* 
xxxi.  10,  30. 

rtheleea,  neither  i>  the  man  without   tin'  >r<,i„,in.  neither  the 

woman  without  the  man  in  the  Lord.— I.  Corinthians,  xi.  11. 

Well  I  understand,  in  the  prime  end 
Of  nature,  her  th'  inferior  in  the  mind 
And  inward  faculties,  which  most  excel 
In  outward  ;  also  her  resembling  less 
His  image  who  made  both,  and  less  expressing 
The  character  of  that  dominion  given 
O'er  other  creatures  ;  yet,  when  I  approach 
Her  loveliness,  so  absolute  she  seems, 
And  in  herself  complete  ;  so  well  to  know 
Her  own,  that  what  she  wills  to  do  or  say, 
Seems  wisest,  virtuouscst,  discreetest,  best ; 
All  higher  knowledge  in  her  presence  falls 
Degraded !  wisdom  in  discourse  with  her 
Loses,  discount'nane'd,  and  like  folly  shows. 
Authority  and  reason  on  her  wait, 
As  one  intended  first,  not  after  made 
Occasionally  ;  and  to  consummate  all, 
Greatness  of  mind  and  nobleness  their  seat 
Build  in  her,  loveliest,  and  create  an  awe 
About  her,  as  a  guard  angelic  placed. 

Milton. 
So  woman,  born  to  dignify  retreat 
Unknown  to  flourish,  and  unseen  be  great, 
To  give  domestic  life  its  sweetest  charm, 
With  softness  polish,  and  with  virtue  warm : 
Fearful  of  fame,  unwilling  to  be  known. 
Should  seek  but  Heaven's  applauses  and  her  own  : 
Should  dread  no  blame  but  that  which  crimes  impart, 
The  censures  of  a  self-condemning  heart. 

Hannah   More. 
For  woman  is  not  undevelopt  man. 
But  diverse :  could  we  make  her  as  the  man, 
Sweet  love  were  slain,  whose  dearest  bond  is  this 
Not  like  to  like,  but  like  in  difference  : 
Yet  in  the  long  years  liker  must  they  grow  ; 


680  WOMAN. 


The  man  be  more  of  woman,  she  of  man ; 

He  gain  in  sweetness  and  in  moral  height, 

Nor  lose  the  wrestling  thews  that  throw  the  world ; 

She  mental  breadth,  nor  fail  in  childward  care : 

More  as  the  double-natured  Poet,  each  : 

Till  at  the  last  she  set  herself  to  man, 

Like  perfect  music  unto  noble  words  ; 

And  so  these  twain  upon  the  skirts  of  Time, 

Sit  side  by  side,  full-summ'd  in  all  their  powers, 

Dispensing  harvest,  sowing  the  To-be, 

Self-reverent  each,  and  reverencing  each, 

Distinct  in  individualities, 

Bui  like  each  other  ev'n  as  those  we  love. 

Then  comes  the  statelier  Eden  back  to  men, 

Then  reign  the  world's  great  bridals,  chaste  and  calm  ; 

Then  springs  the  crowning  race  of  humankind ! 

Tennyson. 

What  highest  prize  hath  woman  won 

In  science  or  in  art  ? 
What  mightiest  work  by  woman  done, 

Boasts  city,  field,  or  mart? 
"She  hath  no  Raphael,"  Painting  saith; 

"No  Newton,"  Learning  cries  ; 
Show  us  her  Steam-ship  !  her  Macbeth, 

Her  thought-won  victories ! 

Hail  boastful  man!  though  worthy  are 

Thy  deeds  when  thou  art  true, 
Things  worthier  still  and  holier  far, 

Our  sister  yet  will  do ; 
For  this  the  worth  of  woman  shows, 

On  every  peopled  shore, 
That  still  as  man  in  wisdom  grows. 

He  honours  her  the  more. 

Oh !  not  for  wealth,  or  fame,  or  pow'r, 

Hath  man's  weak  angel  striven, 
But  silent  as  the  growing  flower, 

To  make  of  earth  a  heav'n! 
And  in  her  garden  of  the  sun, 

Heaven's  brightest  rose  shall  bloom ; 
For  woman  s  best  is  unbegun! 

Her  advent  yet  to  come.  Ebenezer  JEWof. 


WORD.  681 


WOBD. 

Thy  irnni  is  a  lump  unto   my  feet,  and  a    light    unto  my  path.— 
Psalm  exix.  lo.'i. 

:lu-re  is  not   a    word   in    my    tongue,  but,   lo,  0   Lord,   Thou 
knowest  it  altogether. — Psalm  cxxxix.   I. 

The  gnu  with*  reth,  the  flower  fadeth  :    but   the  toord  of   our  God 
shall  stand  for  ever. — Isaiah,  xl.  8. 

Every  idk'    word   that    men   shall   speak,   they    shall    give    account 
thereof  in  the  da\  of  judgment.    Matthew,  xii.  36. 

Ill  deeds  are  doubled  with  an  evil  word. 

Shakspere. 

Almighty  Lord  !  the  sun  shall  fail, 

The  moon  forget  her  nightly  tare, 

And  deepest  silence  hush  on  high 

The  radiant  chorus  of  the  sky  ; 

But  fixed  for  everlasting  years, 

Unmoved  amid  the  wreck  of  spheres, 

Thy  word  shall  shine  in  cloudless  day, 

When  heaven  and  earth  have  passed  away. 

Sir  R.  Grant. 
Not  words  alone  it  cost  the  Lord, 

To  purchase  pardon  for  His  own ; 
Nor  will  a  soul  by  grace  restored, 

Return  the  Saviour's  words  alone. 
Easy  indeed  it  were  to  reach 

A  mansion  in  the  courts  above, 
If  swelling  words  and  fluent  speech, 

Might  serve  instead  of  faith  and  love. 
But  none  shall  gain  the  blissful  place, 

Or  God's  unclouded  glory  see, 
Who  talks  of  free  and  sovereign  grace, 

Unless  that  grace  has  made  him  free.  Cowper. 

O  happy  they  who  know  the  Lord, 

With  whom  he  deigns  to  dwell, 
He  feeds  and  cheers  them  by  His  word, 

His  arm  supports  them  well. 

He  helped  His  saints  in  ancient  days. 

Who  trusted  in  His  name ; 
And  we  can  witness  to  His  praise. 

His  love  is  still  the  same. 


682 


His  presence  sweetens  all  our  cares, 

And  makes  our  burdens  light ; 
A  word  from  Him  dispels  our  fears. 

And  gilds  the  gloom  of  night.  Newton. 

There  is  a  stream  whose  gentle  flow 

Supplies  the  city  of  our  God  ; 
Life,  love,  and  joy,  still  gliding  thro', 

And  wat'ring  our  divine  abode. 

That  sacred  stream,  Thy  holy  word, 

That  all  our  raging  fear  controls  ; 
Sweet  peace  Thy  promises  afford, 

And  give  new  strength  to  fainting  souls. 

Watts. 

When  quiet  in  my  house  I  sit, 

Thy  book  be  my  companion  still, 
My  joy  Thy  sayings  to  repeat, 

Talk  o'er  the  records  of  Thy  will, 
And  search  the  oracles  divine 
Till  every  heart-felt  word  be  mine. 

0  may  the  gracious  words  divine 
Subject  of  all  my  converse  be  ; 

So  will  the  Lord  His  follower  join, 

And  walk  and  talk  himself  with  me  ; 
So  shall  my  heart  His  presence  prove, 
And  burn  with  everlasting  love. 

Oft  as  I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 

O  may  Thy  reconciling  word 
Sweetly  compose  my  weary  breast ! 

While,  in  the  bosom  of  my  Lord, 

1  sink  in  blissful  dreams  away, 
And  visions  of  eternal  day. 

Rising  to  sing  my  Saviour's  praise, 

Thee  may  I  publish  all  day  long  ; 
And  let  Thy  precious  word  of  grace 

Flow  from  my  heart,  and  fill  my  tongue, 
Fill  all  my  life  with  purest  love, 
And  join  me  to  the  church  above.  C. 


word.  683 

Where  deeds  pull  down,  word*  can  repair  no  faith. 

Chapman. 

A  voice  to  light  gave  being  : 

To  Time,  and  man  his  earth-born  chronicler ; 

A  voice  shall  finish  doubt  and  dim  foreseeing, 

And  sweep  away  life's  visionary  stir ; 

The  trumpet,  (we  intoxicate  with  pride, 

Arm  at  its  blast  for  deadly  wars,) 

To  archangelic  lips  applied, 

The  grave  shall  open,  quench  the  stars. 

O  silence  !  are  men's  noisy  years 

No  more  than  moments  of  thy  life  ? 

Is  harmony,  blest  queen  of  smiles  and  tears, 

"With  her  smooth  tones  and  discords  just, 

Tempered  into  rapturous  strife, 

Thy  destined  bond-slave  ?    No !  though  earth  be  dust 

And  vanish,  though  the  Heavens  dissolve,  her  stay 

Is  in  the  icord,  that  shall  not  pass  away. 

Wbrdnoorik. 

Why,  thou  never-setting  light. 

Is  thy  brightness  veil'd  from  me  ? 
Why  does  this  unusual  night 

Cloud  thy  best  benignity  ? 
I  am  lost  without  thy  ray, 

Guide  my  wandering  footsteps,  Lord ! 
Light  my  dark  and  erring  way 

To  the  noontide  of  thy  word. 

Bowring,  from  the  Russian. 


I  saw  one  man,  armed  simply  with  God's  Word, 

Enter  the  souls  of  many  fellow-men, 
And  pierce  them  sharply  as  a  two-edged  sword, 

While  conscience  echoed  back  his  words  again  ; 

Till,  even  as  showers  of  fertilizing  rain 
Sink  through  the  bosom  of  the  valley  clod, 

So  their  hearts  opened  to  the  wholesome  pain. 
And  hundreds  knelt  upon  the  flowery  sod, 
One  good  man's  earnest  prayer,  the  link  'twixt  them 
and  God.  Mrs.  Norton. 


WORKS. 


WORKS— WORK. 

Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  belongeth  mercy ;   for  thou  renderest  to  every 
man  according  to  his  work.—  Psalm  lxii.  12. 

The  works  of  the  Lord  are  great,  sought  out  of  all  them  that  have 
pleasure  therein.— Psalm  cxi.  2. 

Prepare  thy  work  without,  and  make  it  fit  for  thyself  in  the  field  : 
and  afterwards  build  thine  house.— Proverbs,  xxiv.  27. 

These  are  Thy  glorious  works,  Parent  of  Good, 

Almighty,  Thine  this  universal  frame, 

Thus  wondrous  fair ;  Thyself  how  wondrous  then  ! 

Unspeakable,  who  sitt'st  above  the  Heavens 

To  us  invisible,  or  dimly  seen 

In  these  thy  lowest  works ;  yet  these  declare 

Thy  goodness  beyond  thought  and  power  divine. 

Speak  ye  who  best  can  tell,  ye  sons  of  light, 

Angels  ;  for  ye  behold  Him,  and  with  songs 

And  choral  symphonies,  day  without  night, 

Circle  his  throne  rejoicing !  ye  in  Heaven, 

On  Earth,  join  all  ye  creatures  to  extol 

Him  first,  him  last,  him  midst,  and  without  end. 

Milton. 

If  faith  produce  no  works ;  I  see 
That  faith  is  not  a  living  tree. 
Thus  faith  and  works  together  grow, 
No  separate  life  they  e'er  can  know  : 
They  're  soul  and  body,  hand  and  heart, — 
What  God  hath  joined,  let  no  man  part. 

Hannah  More. 

O,  how  unlike  the  complex  vjorks  of  man, 

Heaven's  easy,  artless,  unencumbered  plan  ! 

No  meretricious  graces  to  beguile, 

No  clustering  ornaments  to  clog  the  pile; 

From  ostentation,  as  from  weakness  free, 

It  stands,  like  the  cerulean  arch  we  see, 

Majestic  in  its  own  simplicity. 

Inscribed  above  the  portal,  from  afar 

Conspicuous  as  the  brightness  of  a  star, 

Legible  only  by  the  light  they  give, 

Stand  the  soul-quickening  words  :  Believe  and  live ! 

Cowper. 


works.  685 


Oh  how  I  love  with  melted  soul  to  leave 

The  house  of  prayer,  and  wander  in  the  fields 

Alone!  what  though  the  opening  air  be  chill ! 

Although  the  lark,  cheeked  in  his  airy  path, 

Eke  out  his  song,  perched  on  the  fallow  clod 

That  still  o'ertops  the  blade ;  although  no  branch 

Have  spread  its  foliage,  save  the  willow  wand 

That  dips  its  pale  leaves  in  the  swollen  stream. 

What  though  the  clouds  oft  lower  ;  their  threats  but  end 

In  summer  showers,  that  scarcely  fill  the  folds 

Of  moss-couched  violets,  or  interrupt 

The  merle's  dulcet  pipe — melodious  bird ! 

He  hid  behind  the  milk-white  sloe-thorn  spray, 

(Whose  early  flowers  anticipate  the  leaf,) 

Welcomes  the  time  of  buds,  the  infant  year. 

Sweet  is  the  sunny  nook  to  which  my  steps 

Have  brought  me,  hardly  conscious  where  I  roamed, 

Unheeding  where — so  lovely  all  around, 

The  tcorks  of  God  arrayed  in  vernal  smile. 

Orahame. 

How  manifold  Thy  works,  O  Lord, 

In  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  wrought ! 
The  earth  is  with  Thy  riches  stored, 
And  ocean  with  Thy  wonders  fraught : 
Unfathom'd  caves  beneath  the  deep 
For  Thee  their  hidden  treasures  keep. 

J.  Montgomery. 
Wherever  in  the  world  I  am, 

In  whatsoe'er  estate, 
I  have  a  fellowship  with  hearts 

To  keep  and  cultivate ; 
And  a  work  of  lowly  love  to  do 

For  the  Lord  on  whom  I  wait.  A.  L.  Waring. 

Fellow-jrorfers  are  we:  hour  by  hour, 

Human  tools  are  shaping  Heaven's  great  schemes, 
Till  we  see  no  limit  to  man's  power. 

And  reality  outstrips  old  dreams. 
Toil  and  struggle,  therefore,  work  and  weep, 
In  God's  care  ye  shall  calmly  sleep, 

When  the  night  cometh.  Mrs.  Embury. 


686  W0BK3. 

Lord  of  all  Being !  where  can  fancy  fly, 

To  what  far  realms,  unmeasured  by  thine  eye  ? 

Where  can  he  hide  beneath  Thy  blazing  sun, 

Where  dvrell'st  Thou  not,  the  boundless,  viewless  One? 

Shall  guilt  couch  down  within  the  cavern's  gloom, 

And  quivering,  groaning,  meditate  her  doom  ? 

Or  scale  the  mountains,  where  the  whirlwinds  rest, 

And  in  the  night-blast  cool  her  fiery  breast  ? 

Within  the  cavern-gloom  Thine  eye  can  see, 

The  sky-clad  mountains  lift  their  heads  to  Thee ! 

Thy  spirit  rides  upon  the  thunder  storms, 

Darkening  the  sky  with  their  terrific  forms  ! 

Beams  in  the  lightning,  rocks  upon  the  seas, 

Hoars  in  the  blast,  and  whispers  in  the  breeze ; 

In  calms,  in  storm,  in  Heaven,  in  earth,  Thou  art ! 

Trace  but  Thy  works,  they  bring  Thee  to  the  heart. 

R.  Montgomery. 

The  blackbird  early  leaves  its  rest 

To  meet  the  smiling  morn, 
And  gather  fragments  for  its  nest 

From  upland,  wood,  and  lawn. 
The  busy  bee  that  wings  its  way 

'Mid  sweets  of  varied  hue, 
At  every  flower  would  seem  to  say — 

"There  's  work  enough  to  do." 

The  cowslip  and  the  spreading  vine, 

The  daisy  in  the  grass, 
The  snowdrop  and  the  eglantine, 

Preach  sermons  as  we  pass. 
The  ant  within  its  cavern  deep, 

Would  bid  us  labour  too, 
And  writes  upon  its  tiny  heap, 

"There  's  work  enough  to  do." 

The  planets,  at  their  Maker's  will, 

Move  onward  in  their  cars, 
For  Nature's  wheel  is  never  still — ■ 

Progressive  as  the  stars ! 
The  leaves  that  flutter  in  the  air. 

And  summer  breezes  woo, 
One  solemn  truth  to  man  declare — 

"There  's  work  enough  to  do."  J.  Burbidge. 


WORLD.  687 


WORLD. 

THK  Laid  i>  the  true  God.  lie  is  the  living  God,  and  an  everlasting 
- 

He  hath  made  the  earth  by  his  power,  he  hath  established  the  world 
by  his  wisdom.— Jeremiah,  x.  1(».  IS. 

What  shall  it  profit  a  man.  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose 
soul'.-—  Mark.  viii.  86. 

If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that  it  hated  me  before  it  hated  you. 

If  ye  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love  his  own  :  but  because  ye 

are  not  of  the  world,  but  I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore 
the  world  hateth  yon.— John,  xv.  is,  lit. 

Be  not  conformed  to  this  world,  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renew- 
ing of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable, 
and  perfect  will  of  God.— Romans,  xii.  2. 

The  friendship  of  the  world  is  enmity  with  God  :  whosoever  therefore 
will  be  a  friend  of  the  world,  is  the  enemy  of  God.— James,  iv.  4. 

And  the  world  passeth  away,  and  the  lust  thereof  :  but  he  that  doeth 
the  will  of  God  abideth  for  ever.— I.  John,  ii.  17. 


The  weary  mariner  so  fast  not  flies 

An  howling  tempest,  harbour  to  attain  ; 

Nor  shepherd  hastes,  when  frays  of  wolves  arise, 

So  fast  to  fold,  to  save  his  bleating  train ! 
As  I,  wing'd  with  contempt  and  just  disdain, 

Now  fly  the  world  and  what  it  most  doth  prize, 

And  sanctuary  seek,  free  to  remain 

From  wounds  of  abject  times,  and  envy's  eyes : 
To  me  this  world  did  once  seem  sweet  and  fair, 

While  sense's  light  mind's  perspective  kept  blind ; 

Now  like  imagin'd  landscapes  in  the  air, 
And  weepmg  rainbows,  her  best  joys  I  find  ; 

Or  if  aught  here  is  had  that  praise  should  have, 

It  is  an  obscure  life  and  silent  grave. 

William   Drummond. 

Of  this  fair  volume  which  we  "world"  do  name, 
If  we  the  sheets  and  leaves  could  turn  with  care, 

Of  him  who  it  corrects  and  did  it  frame. 

We  clear  might  read  the  art  and  wisdom  rare, 

Find  out  his  power,  which  wildest  powers  doth  tame, 
His  providence  extending  everywhere, 
His  justice,  which  proud  rebels  doth  not  spare, 

In  every  page — no  period  of  the  same. 


WOELD. 


But  silly  we,  like  foolish  children,  rest 

Well  pleas'd  with  colour'd  vellum,  leaves  of  gold, 
Fair  dangling  ribbands — leaving  what  is  best ; 

On  the  great  writer's  sense  ne'er  taking  hold  ; 
Or  if  by  chance  we  stay  our  minds  on  aught, 
It  is  some  picture  on  the  margin  wrought. 

William  Drummond. 

Seek  well  another  world ;  who  studies  this, 
Travels  in  clouds,  seeks  manna  where  none  is. 

Henry  Vaughan. 

Lord,  mail  my  heart  with  faith,  and  be  my  shield, 
And  if  a  world  confront  me,  I  '11  not  yield. 

Francis  Quarles. 

To  tremble,  (as  the  creatures  of  an  hour 
Ought,)  at  the  view  of  an  Almighty  power 
Before  His  presence,  at  whose  awful  throne 
All  tremble  in  all  worlds  except  our  own ; 
To  supplicate  His  mercy,  love  His  ways, 
And  prize  them  above  pleasure,  wealth,  or  praise ; 
Though  common  sense,  allowed  a  casting  voice, 
And  free  from  bias,  must  approve  the  choice ; 
Convicts  a  man  fanatic  in  the  extreme, 
And  wild  as  madness  in  the  world's  esteem. 

Cowper. 
The  joy  that  vain  amusements  give, 

O,  sad  conclusion  that  it  brings, 
The  honey  of  a  crowded  hive 

Defended  by  a  thousand  stings. 
'T  is  thus  the  world  rewards  the  fools 

That  live  upon  her  treacherous  smiles ; 
She  leads  them  blindfold,  by  her  rules, 

And  ruins  all  whom  she  beguiles.  Cowper. 

What  is  this  world  ? 
What  but  a  spacious  burial-field  unwalled, 
Strewed  with  death's  spoils,  the  spoils  of  animals, 
Savage  and  tame,  and  full  of  dead  men's  bones  ? 
The  very  turf  on  which  we  tread  once  lived, 
And  we  that  live  must  lend  our  carcases, 
To  cover  our  own  offspring  :  in  their  turns, 
They  too  must  cover  theirs.  Blair. 


Unthinking,  idle,  wild,  and  young, 
I  laughed  and  danced.  I  talked  and  sung, 
And  proud  of  health,  of  freedom  vain. 
Dreamed  not  of  sorrow,  fare,  nor  pain: 
Oh!  then  in  those  light  hours  of  glee, 
I  thought  the  world  was  made  for  me. 

But  when  the  hour  of  trial  came, 
And  sickness  shook  my  feeble  frame, 
And  folly's  gay  pursuits  were  o'er, 
Aud  I  could  sing  and  dance  no  more, 
Oh  !  then  I  thought  how  sad  't  would  be 
Were  only  this  tuorld  made  for  me. 

Princess  Amelia. 

Virtue,  for  ever  frail  as  fair  below, 

Her  tender  nature  suffers  in  the  crowd, 

Nor  touches  on  the  world  without  a  stain; 

The  world  's  infectious.  Young. 

The  world  's  a  school 
Of  wrong,  and  what  proficients  swarm  around 
We  must  or  imitate  or  disapprove ; 
Must  'list  as  their  accomplices  or  foes  ; 
That  stains  our  innocence,  this  wounds  our  peace. 

Young. 

Thrice  happy  world,  where  gilded  toys 

No  more  disturb  our  thoughts,  no  more  pollute  our  joys ! 

There  light  or  shade  no  more  succeed  by  turns, 
There  reigns  the  eternal  sun  with  an  unclouded  ray, 
There  all  is  calm  as  night,  yet  all  immortal  day, 

And  truth  for  ever  shines,  and  love  for  ever  burns. 

Isaac   Watts. 

The  flower  that  smiles  to-day, 

To-morrow  dies  ; 
All  that  we  wish  to  stay, 

Tempts,  and  then  flies  : 
What  is  this  world's  delight? 
Lightning,  that  mocks  the  night. 
Brief  even  as  bright.  Shelley. 

*  2  Y 


690  WORLD. 

Dreams  cannot  picture  a  world  so  fair — 
Sorrow  and  death  may  not  enter  there  ; 
Time  doth  not  breathe  on  its  fadeless  bloom, 
For  beyond  the  clouds,  and  beyond  the  tomb, 
It  is  there,  it  is  there,  my  child ! 

Mrs.  Hemans. 

Thou  art,  O  God,  the  life  and  light 
Of  all  this  wondrous  world  we  see  ; 

Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night, 
Are  but  reflections  caught  from  Thee  ; 

Where'er  we  turn,  Thy  glories  shine, 

And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  Thine, 

Thomas  Moore. 

O  world  !  how  little  do  thy  joys 

Concern  a  soul  that  knows 
Itself  not  made  for  such  low  toys 

As  thy  poor  hand  bestows ! 

Then  take  away  thy  tinsel  wares, 

That  dazzle  here  our  eyes ; 
Let  us  go  up  above  the  stars, 

Where  all  our  treasure  lies. 

The  way  we  know  :  our  dearest  Lord 

Himself  has  gone  before : 
And  has  engaged  His  faithful  word, 

To  open  us  the  door.  Hides, 

The  world  is  too  much  with  us  ;  late  and  soon, 
Getting  and  spending,  we  lay  waste  our  powers. 

Wordsworth. 

Pass  on,  relentless  icorld  I  I  grieve 

No  more  for  all  that  thou  hast  riven ; 
Pass  on,  in  God's  name,  only  leave 

The  things  thou  never  yet  hast  given — 
A  heart  at  ease,  a  mind  at  home, 

Affections  fixed  above  thy  sway, 
Faith  set  upon  a  tcor/d  to  come, 

And  patience  through  life's  little  day. 

George  Lunt. 


WORSHIP.  691 


WORSHIP. 

O  worship  the  Lord  in  the  beantj  at  holiness  :  fear  before  him,  all 
the  earth.    Psalm  xcvi.  8. 

In  vain  do  they  worship  me,  teaching  for  doctrines  the  command- 
ments of  men.     Mark.  vii.  7. 

But  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  i>.  when  the  true  worshipper)  shall 
worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth  :  for  the  I  aetb  such 

to  worship  him.— John,  iv.  23. 

First  worship  God  ;  he  that  forgets  to  pray 
Bids  not  himself  good-morrow  nor  good-day  : 
Let  thy  first  labour  be  to  purge  thy  sin, 
And  serve  Him  first,  whence  all  tilings  did  begin. 

Thomas  R  ntdolph. 
There  is  a  joy  which  angels  well  might  prize  : 
To  see,  and  hear,  and  aid  God's  worship,  when 
Unnumbered  tongues — a  host  of  Christian  men, 
Youths,  matrons,  maidens,  join.     Their  sounds  arise 
"Like  many  waters ;"  now  glad  symphonies 
Of  thanks  and  glory  to  our  God,  and  then, 
Seal  of  the  social  prayer,  the  loud  Amen, 
Faith's  common  pledge,  contrition's  mingled  cries. 
Thus  when  the  church  of  Christ  was  hale  and  young, 

She  call'd  on  God,  one  spirit  and  one  voice ; 
Thus  from  corruption  cleansed,  with  health  new  strung, 

Her  son  she  nurtured.     Oh  !  be  theirs  by  choice, 
What  duty  bids,  to  worship,  heart  and  tongue, 
At  once  to  pray,  at  once  in  God  rejoice  ! 

Bishop  Mant. 
The  cheerfu'  supper  done,  wi'  serious  face, 

They,  round  the  ingle,  form  a  circle  wide ; 
The  sire  turns  o'er,  wi'  patriarchal  grace, 
The  big  ha'-bible,  ance  his  father's  pride ; 
His  bonnet  rev'rently  is  laid  aside, 
His  lyart  haflfets  wearing  thin  and  bare ; 

Those  strains  that  ance  did  sweet  in  Zion  glide, 
He  wales  a  portion  with  judicious  care  ; 
And  "Let  us  ivorship  God !"  he  says,  with  solemn  air. 

Burns. 
Not  always  he 
Hath  holiest  heart,  whose  worship  is  most  loud, 
And  that  is  purest  prayer,  where  one  alone  is  bowed. 

G.  H.  Cotton. 


WORSHIP. 

Sweet  is  the  solemn  voice  that  calls 
The  christian  to  the  house  of  prayer ! 

I  love  to  stand  within  its  walls, 

For  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  present  there ! 

I  love  to  tread  the  hallowed  courts, 
Where  two  or  three  for  worship  meet ; 

For  thither  Christ  himself  resorts, 
And  makes  the  little  band  complete. 


Lyte. 


The  earth  is  one  great  temple,  made 

For  worship  everywhere ; 
And  its  flowers  are  the  bells,  in  glen  and  glade, 

That  ring  the  heart  to  prayer. 
A  solemn  preacher  is  the  breeze ; 

At  noon  or  twilight  dim, 
The  ancient  trees  give  homilies — 

The  river  hath  a  hymn. 
For  the  city  bell  takes  seven  days 

To  reach  the  townsman's  ear, 
But  he  who  kneels  in  nature's  ways, 

Hath  sabbath  all  the  year.  T.  K.  Hervey. 


Give  to  the  sceptic  gain  and  gaud ; 

The  Christian  envies  not  his  lot, 
Who,  while  his  fellow-men  applaud, 

Is  by  his  outraged  God  forgot. 
More  blest  is  he,  who,  'mid  the  cares 

Of  this  world's  loud  and  busy  mart, 
The  melody  of  worship  bears 

For  ever,  in  his  inmost  heart.         Miss   Pardoe. 

The  God  who  reigns  on  high 
The  great  archangels  sing; 
And  "Holy,  holy,  holy,"  cry, 
"Almighty  King ! 
Who  was  and  is  the  same, 
And  evermore  shall  be  ; 
Jehovah,  Father,  Great  I  am, 

We  worship  Thee."  T.  Olivers. 


(193 


WORTHY. 


Thou  art  vurthu,  0  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honour  and  power: 

for  Thon  hast  created  all  things,  ami  for  Thy  pleasure  they  are  and 

..ted.  —  Revelation,  iv.  11. 

Worthy  is  the  Lamb  thai  wis  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches, 
and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing. — 
Revelation,  v.  12. 

Come,  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs, 

"With  angels  round  the  throne. 
Ten  thousand  thousand  are  their  tongues, 

But  all  their  joys  are  one. 

"Worthy  the  Lamb  that  died,"  they  cry, 

"To  be  exalted  thus!" 
"Worthy  the  Lamb,"  our  lips  reply, 

"For  He  was  slain  for  us." 

Jesus  is  worthy  to  receive 

Honour  and  power  divine, 
And  blessings  more  than  we  can  give, 

Be  Lord  for  ever  Thine  !  Watts. 

Worthy,  O  Lord,  art  Thou, 

That  every  knee  should  bow, 
Every  tongue  to  Thee  confess  ; 

Universal  nature  join, 
Strong  and  mighty.  Thee  to  bless, 

Gracious,  merciful,  benign. 

Wisdom  is  due  to  Thee, 

And  might  and  majesty  ; 
Thee  in  mercy  rich  w  e  prove, 

Glory,  honour,  praise  receive; 
Worthy  thou  of  all  our  love, 

More  than  all  we  pant  to  give.  C.  Wesley. 

Sing  we  the  song  of  those  who  stand, 

Around  the  eternal  throne, 
Of  every  kindred,  clime,  and  land, 

A  multitude  unknown. 

"  Worthy  the  Lamb  for  sinners  slain," 

Cry  the  redeem'd  above, 
"Blessing  and  honour  to  obtain, 

And  everlasting  love."  J.  "Montgomery. 


WOUND. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord  :  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises  unto  our  God. 
He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds. — Psalm 
cxlvii.  1,  3. 

The  spirit  of  a  man  will  sustain  his  infirmity :  but  a  wounded  spirit 
who  can  bear  ?  —Proverbs,  xviii.  14. 

He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our  in- 
iquities :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him  ;  and  with  his 
stripes  we  are  healed.— Isaiah,  liii.  5. 


No  wounds  like  those  a  wounded  spirit  feela, 

No  cure  for  such,  till  God,  who  makes  them,  heals. 

And  thou,  sad  sufferer  under  nameless  ill, 

That  yields  not  to  the  touch  of  human  skill, 

Improve  the  kind  occasion,  understand 

A  Father's  frown,  and  kiss  His  chastening  hand. 

Cowper. 

Come  !  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice, 
Come,  and  make  my  ways  your  choice : 
I  will  guide  you  to  your  home  ; 
Weary  pilgrim,  hither  come. 

Ye,  by  fiercest  anguish  torn, 

In  strong  remorse  for  guilt,  who  mourn ; 

Here  repose  your  heavy  care  : 

A  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear? 

Mrs.  Barbauld. 

Saviour !  all  the  stone  remove 

From  my  flinty,  frozen  heart ; 
Thaw  it  with  the  beams  of  love, 

Pierce  it  with  Thy  mercy's  dart : 
Wound  the  heart  that  wounded  Thee ; 
Break  it  in  Gethsemane  !  Hart. 


Angels  rejoice  in  Jesu's  grace, 
And  vie  with  man's  more  favoured  race, 
The  blood  that  did  for  us  atone, 
Conferred  on  them  some  gift  unknown ; 
Their  joy  through  Jesu's  pains  abounds, 
They  triumph  by  his  glorious  wounds. 

C.  Wesley. 


WRATH.  695 


WRATH. 

O  Lord  rebnke  me  not  in  thy  wrath:  neither  chasten   me  in  Thy 
hot  displeasure.  -Psalm  xxxviii.  1. 

IK-  that  is  slow  to  wrath  \<  of  great    onderstanding :    but   he  that 
is  hast\  of  spirit  exalteth  fofly.— Proverbs,  \iv.  •_';•. 

0  Lord,  in  trrat/i  remember  mercy.    Habakkuk.  iii.  •_». 

For  the  great  da]  of  bis  vrath  is  come;   ami  who  BhaH  be  able  to 

stand.— Revilatioii.  vi.  17. 

O  throw  away  Thy  rod, 

0  throw  away  Thy  wrath  ! 
My  gracious  Saviour  and  my  God, 

O  take  the  gentle  path  ! 

Thou  seest  my  heart's  desire 

Still  unto  Thee  is  bent ; 
Still  does  my  longing  soul  aspire 

To  an  entire  consent. 

Not  even  a  word  or  look 

Do  I  approve  or  own, 
But  by  the  model  of  Thy  book, 

Thy  sacred  book  alone. 

Although  I  fail,  I  weep  ; 

Although  I  halt  in  pace, 
Yet  still  with  trembling  steps  I  creep 

Unto  the  throne  of  grace. 

O  then,  let  v:rath  remove  ! 

For  love  will  do  the  deed  : 
Love  will  the  conquest  gain  ;  with  love 

E'en  stony  hearts  will  bleed. 

O  throw  away  Thy  rod  ! 

What  though  man  frailties  hath  ! 
Thou  my  Saviour  and  my  G-od, 

O  throw  away  Thy  wrath  !  Herbert. 

Awake! 
Thou  who  shalt  wake  when  the  creation  sleeps  : 
When,  like  a  taper,  all  these  suns  expire ; 
When  Time,  like  him  of  Gaza  in  his  wrath, 
Plucking  the  pillars  that  support  the  world, 
In  Nature's  ample  ruins  lies  intombed; 
And  midnight,  universal  midnight  reigns  !  Young. 


WRATH. 


Dreadful  attempt ! 
Just  reeking  from  self-slaughter,  in  a  rage 
To  push,  into  the  presence  of  our  Judge! 
As  if  we  challenged  Him  to  do  His  worst, 
And  mattered  not  His  wrath.  Blair. 

O  day  of  wrath  I  that  dreadful  day, 

When  earth  in  dust  shall  pass  away ! 

What  dread  shall  strike  the  sinner  dumb, 

When  the  Almighty  Judge  shall  come, 

Every  hidden  sin  to  sum  ! 

When  the  wondrous  trumpet's  tone, 

Ringing  through  each  cavern  lone, 

Calls  the  dead  before  the  Throne — 

When  cruel  death  himself  shall  die, 

And,  freed  from  dark  mortality, 

The  creature  to  his  Judge  reply : 

What  shall  then  that  creature  say  ? 

What  power  shall  be  the  sinner's  stay, 

When  the  just  are  in  dismay? 

Lord  of  all  power  and  majesty, 

Pure  fountain  of  all  piety, 

Save  us  when  we  cry  to  Thee ! 

O  thou  whose  vengeance  waits  on  sin, 

Cleanse  our  souls  from  guilt  within, 

Ere  the  day  of  wrath  begin! 

With  suppliant  heart  and  bended  knee, 

Low  stooping  in  the  dust  to  Thee, 

Lord  !  save  us  in  extremity  ! 

That  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day, 
When  man  to  judgment  wakes  from  clay — 
Be  thou  the  trembling  sinner's  stay, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

From  the  Latin,  R.  P. 

The  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day, 

Shall  all  the  world  in  ashes  lay, 

The  last  loud  trumpet's  mighty  sound 

Shall  wake  the  nations  under  ground. 

Thou  Great  Creator  of  mankind, 

Let  guilty  souls  now  favour  find  ; 

My  God,  my  Saviour,  and  my  Friend, 

Do  not  forsake  me  in  the  end.  Roscommon. 


YEAR.  697 


YEAR. 

Wiikn"  a  few  year* axe  come,  than  1  shall  go  t ho  way  whence  1  shall 
not   return.  -Job,  x\i.  22. 

Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness,  thy  paths  drop  fail 
Psalm  lxv.  11. 

For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  a*  yesterday  when  it  is  past, 
and  as  a  watch  in  the  nig 

For  all  our  days  an •  passed  away  in   thy  wrath:  we  spend  our  years 
as  a  tale  that  is  told. 

The  days  of  our  years  are  thre  and  ten  :  and  if  by  reason 

of  strength  they  be  fours  ■  labour  and 

sorrow;  for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  a  kc.  4,  9,  10. 

If  a  man  live  many  years  and  rejoice  in  them  all ;  yet  let  him  remem- 
ber the  days  of  darkness  for  they  shall  be  many.  o.  8. 

Another  year  of  time  lias  passed  away. 

And  long  eternity  is  drawing  near: 
Another  year — perhaps  another  day, 

And  man  and  ail  Lis  wo;  ks,  may  disappear, 
Time  's  but  a  courser,  and  his  fleet  career 

May  end  before  he  reach  another  round ; 
Or,  should  he  chance  to  run  another  year, 

He  lays  a  thousand  dead  at  every  bound! 
Why  longer  trust  to  future  years  in  store? 

Why  hang  our  hopes  upon  a  spider's  thread? 
Begin  the  work  of  life.  and.  Bleep  no  more, 

A  flower  late  planted  ne'er  may  raise  its  head; 
Or  choked  by  weeds  neglected  in  the  soil, 
May  never,  never  bloom,  nor  shed  a  cheerful  smile. 

Peter  Still. 

Eternal  source  of  every  joy, 
Well  may  Thy  praise  our  lips  employ, 
While  in  Thy  temple  we  appear 
To  hail  Thee  sovereign  of  the  year. 

Wide  as  the  wheels  of  nature  roll 
Thy  hand  supports  and  guides  the  whole! 
The  sun  is  taught  by  Thee  to  rise, 
And  darkness  when  to  veil  the  skies. 

The  flowery  spring  at  Thy  command, 
Perfumes  the  air  and  \  amts  the  land; 
The  summer  rays  with  vigour  shine 
To  raise  the  corn  and  cheer  the  vine. 


698  YEAR. 

Thy  hand,  in  Autumn,  richly  pours 
Through  all  our  coasts  redundant  stores  ; 
And  winters  softened  by  thy  care, 
No  more  the  face  of  horror  wear. 

Seasons,  and  months,  and  weeks,  and  days, 
Demand  successive  songs  of  praise ; 
And  be  the  grateful  homage  paid, 
With  morning  light  and  evening  shade. 

Here  in  thy  house  let  incense  rise, 
And  circling  sabbaths  bless  our  eyes, 
Till  to  those  lofty  heights  we  soar, 
Where  days  and  years  revolve  no  more. 

Doddridge. 

The  middle  watch  is  past !     Another  year 
Dawns  on  the  human  race  with  hope  and  fear. 
The  last  has  gone,  with  mingl'd  sigh  and  song, 
To  join  for  ever  its  ancestral  throng  ; 
And  Time  reveals, 
As  past  it  steals, 
The  potent  hand  of  God,  the  Everlasting, 

Guiding  the  Sun,  with  all  his  blazing  peers, 

And  filling  up  the  measure  of  our  years, 
Until  Messiah,  Prince,  to  judgment  hasting, 

Shall  roll  the  darkness  from  this  world  of  sin, 

And  bid  a  bright  eternity  begin. 

The  years  fly  faster  than  they  did  whilom — 

With  greater  speed  they  go,  with  greater  come, 

Has  time  renewed  its  youth  ?  or  fearing  age, 

Perspiring,  pants  it  to  fulfil  its  stage  ? 
Perhaps  men's  fears, 
And  falling  tears, 

Oiling  its  wheels  has  caused  this  rapid  rolling ; 
Or,  urged  along  by  old  Creation's  groans, 
And  sympathizing  with  its  piteous  moans, 

It  flies  to  set  their  massive  death-bell  tolling; 
When  blooming  Paradise  shall  clothe  the  earth, 
And  angels  shout  to  heaven  its  second  birth. 

All  years  are  like,  yet  no  one  like  another ; 

Sons  of  one  sire,  yet  no  one  like  his  brother ; 


YEAR.  699 

All  use  one  language,  yet  the  tales  they  tell 
Speak  now  of  earth,  anon  of  heaven  and  hell. 
They  all  are  sent, 
With  kind  intent, 
The  messengers  of  God,  the  loving  Father, 

To  tell  his  weeping  children,  that  his  eye 

Watches  their  sorrows  from  his  world  on  high, 
Where,  near  himself,  he  means  them  all  to  gather ; 

Yet  when  they  reach  this  cloud-environ'd  globe, 

These  messengers  assume  a  sable  robe. 

On  then,  ye  years  I  accelerate  your  flight ; 
Ye  '11  sooner  cross  the  realm  of  murky  night, 
On,  on,  unresting !  till  your  pinions,  riven, 
Drop  down  exhausted  in  the  vault  of  heaven ! 
And  thou,  O  Time, 
The  sage  sublime, 
Nobly  obedient  to  the  King  Eternal, 

Shalt  lay  thy  silver'd  head  to  peaceful  rest, 
Close  by  the  mansions  of  the  ransom'd  blest, 
Who  on  thy  breast  were  borne  to  joys  supernal. 
Then  shall  the  memory  of  thy  faithful  flight 
Be  set  to  music  in  the  realms  of  light ! 

W.  Leash. 

Awake,  ye  saints,  and  raise  your  eyes, 

And  raise  your  voices  higli : 
Awake,  and  praise  that  sov'reign  love, 

That  shows  salvation  nigh ! 

On  all  the  wings  of  time  it  flies  ; 

Each  moment  brings  it  near  ; 
Then  welcome  each  declining  day  ! 

Welcome  each  closing  year.  Doddridge. 

Old  time  has  turn'd  another  page 

Of  eternity  and  truth  ; 
He  reads  with  a  warning  voice  to  age, 

And  whispers  a  lesson  to  youth. 
A  year  has  fled  o'er  heart  and  head 

Since  last  the  yule-log  burnt ; 
And  we  have  a  task  to  closely  ask, 

What  the  bosom  and  brain  have  learnt  ? 


700  YEAR. 

Oh  !  let  us  hope  that  our  souls  have  run 

With  wisdom's  precious  grains  ; 
Oh !  may  we  find  that  our  hands  have  done 

Some  work  of  glorious  pains. 
Then  a  welcome  and  cheer  to  the  merry  new  year, 

While  the  holly  gleams  above  us  ; 
With  a  pardon  for  the  foes  who  hate, 

And  a  prayer  for  those  who  love  us. 

We  may  have  seen  some  loved  ones  pass 

To  the  land  of  hallow'd  rest ; 
We  may  miss  the  glow  of  an  honest  brow 

And  the  warmth  of  a  friendly  breast : 
But  if  we  nursed  them  while  on  earth, 

With  hearts  all  true  and  kind, 
Will  their  spirits  blame  the  sinless  mirth 

Of  those  true  hearts  left  behind? 
No  no !  it  were  not  well  or  wise 

To  mourn  with  endless  pain  ; 
There  's  a  better  world  beyond  the  skies, 

Where  the  good  shall  meet  again. 
Then  a  welcome  and  cheer  to  the  merry  new  year, 

While  the  holly  gleams  above  us ; 
With  a  pardon  for  the  foes  who  hate, 

And  a  prayer  for  those  who  love  us. 

Have  our  days  rolled  on  serenely  free 

From  sorrow's  dim  alloy  ? 
Do  we  still  possess  the  gifts  that  bless 

And  fill  our  souls  with  joy  P 
Are  the  creatures  dear  still  clinging  near? 

Do  we  hear  loved  voices  come  ? 
Do  we  gaze  on  eyes  whose  glances  shed 

A  halo  round  our  home  ? 
Oh,  if  we  do,  let  thanks  be  pour'd 

To  Him  who  hath  spared  and  given, 
And  forget  not  o'er  the  festive  board 

The  mercies  held  from  heaven. 
Then  a  welcome  and  cheer  to  the  merry  new  year, 

While  the  holly  gleams  above  us ; 
With  a  pardon  for  the  foes  who  hate, 

And  a  prayer  for  those  who  love  us. 

Eliza  Cook. 


rouTH.  701 


YOUTH. 

\\  hkiii  \\  1 1  HAL  Bhall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  waj  S  i>>  taking  hoed 
thereto  according  bo  Thy  word.    Psalm  exix.  ;>. 

I  love  them  that  love  me;  and  those  that  seek  me  earrj  shall  find 
me.— Proverbs,  \iii.  17. 

Rejoice  0  young  man  in  thy  youth;  and  let  thj  bear!  cheer  thee 
in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and'  walk  in  the  ways  of  thine  heart,  and 
in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  :  but  know  thou,  that  for  all  these  thing! 
(;od  will  bring  thee  into  judgmi  \i.  !'. 

Thrice  happy  lie  whose  downy  age  had  been 

Eeclaimed  by  scourges  from  the  prime  of  sin ; 

And,  early  seasoned  with  the  taste  of  truth, 

"Remembers  his  Creator  in  his  youth. 

Francis   Quarles. 
Something  of  youth  I  in  old  age  approve, 
But  more  the  marks  of  age  in  youth  I  love. 
"Who  this  observes,  may  in  his  body  find 
Decrepit  age,  but  never  in  his  mind.  Denham. 

Youth  lost  in  dissipation, — we  deplore 

Through  life's  sad  remnant,  what  no  sighs  restore; 

Our  years,  a  fruitless  loss  without  a  prize, 

Too  many — yet  too  few  to  make  us  wise.  Cowper. 

Grace  is  a  plant,  where'er  it  grows, 

Of  pure  and  heavenly  root ; 
But  fairest  in  the  youngest  shows, 

And  yields  the  sweetest  fruit.  Cowper. 

Youth  's  a  soft  scene,  but  trust  her  not; 
Her  airy  minutes  swift  as  thought. 

Slide  off  the  slippery  sphere; 
Moons  with  their  months  make  hasty  rounds, 
The  sun  has  passed  his  vernal  bounds. 

And  wheels  about  his  year.  Watts. 

For  pleasures,  vanities,  and  hates, 

The  compact  we  renew, 
And  Judas  rises  in  our  hearts — 

We  sell  our  Saviour  too. 
How,  for  some  moments'  vain  delights, 

"We  will  embitter  years. 
And  in  our  youth  lay  up  for  age 

Only  remorse  and  tears.  Miss   London. 


702  YOUTH. 

Days  of  my  youth !  ye  have  glided  away  ; 
Hairs  of  my  youth  !  ye  are  frosted  and  gray ; 
Eyes  of  my  youth  !  your  keen  sight  is  no  more  ; 
Cheeks  of  my  youth  !  ye  are  furrow'd  all  o'er ; 
Strength  of  my  youth  !  all  your  vigour  is  gone  ; 
Thoughts  of  my  youth  I  your  gay  visions  are  flown. 

Days  of  my  youth  !  I  wish  not  your  recall ; 
Hairs  of  my  youth  !  I  'm  content  you  should  fall ; 
Eyes  of  my  youth !  ye  much  evil  have  seen  ; 
Cheeks  of  my  youth  !  bathed  in  tears  have  you  been ; 
Thoughts  of  my  youth  I  ye  have  led  me  astray  ! 
Strength  of  my  youth  !  why  lament  your  decay  ? 

Days  of  my  age  !  ye  will  shortly  be  past ; 
Pains  of  my  age !  but  awhile  can  ye  last ; 
Joys  of  my  age  !  in  true  wisdom  delight ; 
Eyes  of  my  age !  be  religion  your  light ; 
Thoughts  of  my  age  !  dread  not  the  cold  sod  ; 
Hopes  of  my  age !  be  ye  fixed  on  your  God ! 

C.  Tucker. 

Come,  while  the  blossoms  of  thy  years  are  brightest, 

Thou  youthful  wanderer  in  a  flowery  maze ; 
Come,  while  the  restless  heart  is  bounding  lightest, 

And  joy's  pure  sunbeams  tremble  in  thy  ways  ; 
Come  while  sweet  buds,  like  summer  flowers  unfolding, 

Waken  rich  feelings  in  the  careless  breast ; 
While  yet  thy  hand  the  ephemeral  wreath  is  holding, 

Come — and  secure  interminable  rest ! 

Come,  while  the  morning  of  thy  life  is  glowing, 

Ere  the  dim  phantoms  thou  art  chasing  die  ; 
Ere  the  gay  spell  which  earth  is  round  thee  throwing, 

Fades  like  the  crimson  from  a  sunset  sky ; 
Life  hath  but  shadows,  save  a  promise  given, 

Which  lights  the  future  with  a  fadeless  ray ; 
O,  touch  the  sceptre,  win  a  hope  in  Heaven ; 

Come,  turn  thy  spirit  from  the  world  away ! 

Willis  G.  Clark. 

Live  that  thy  young  and  glowing  breast 

Can  think  of  death  without  a  sigh, 
And  be  assured  that  life  is  best 

Which  finds  us  least  afraid  to  die.  Eliza  Cook, 


ZEAL.  703 


ZEAL. 

FOB  l  bear  them   record   that   they  have  a    teal  oJ   (rod,  but  not 
aooordlng  to  knowledge.     Romans,  \.  2. 

It  i~  good  to  l"-  zealously  affected  always  in  a  good  thing.— Galatians, 

iv.  18. 

As  many  as  I  love.  I  rebuke  and  chasten  :  be  tealous,  therefore,  and 
repent.— Revelation,  iii.  lit. 


Farewell  to  earth  ;  my  life  of  sense  is  o'er  ; 

My  heart  is  changed,  I  feel  my  bonds  nntied ; 

And  casting  every  thought  impure  aside, 
My  guilty  course  abandon  and  deplore. 
Fallacious  leaders  I  obey  no  more  ; 

I  follow  thee,  refuse  all  other  guide  ; 

And  ne'er  did  shipwrecked  bark  with  broken  side 
Loose  from  the  shelves  more  anxious  for  a  shore. 
And  since  I  spent  with  risk  of  mortal  harm, 

My  life  and  dearest  hours,  nor  gathered  thence 

Profit  or  fruit,  I  crowd  my  sail  to  thee. 
Lord,  I  am  turned !  now  let  thy  gracious  arm 

Sustain  me  :  and  my  future  service  be 
With  zeal  proportioned  to  my  past  offence. 

From  the  Italian  of  Gabriel  Fiamma. 

Zeal  is  that  pure  and  heavenly  flame 

The  fire  of  love  supplies ; 
While  that  which  often  bears  the  name, 

Is  self  in  a  disguise. 

True  zeal  is  merciful  and  mild, 

Can  pity  and  forbear  ; 
The  false  is  headstrong,  fierce,  and  wild ; 

And  breathes  revenge  and  war. 

While  zeal  for  truth  the  Christian  warms, 

He  knows  the  worth  of  peace ; 
But  self  contends  for  names  and  forms, 

Its  party  to  increase. 

Zeal  has  attained  its  highest  aim, 

Its  end  is  satisfied, 
If  sinners  love  the  Saviour's  name, 

Nor  seeks  it  ought  beside.  Newton. 


704  ZEAL. 

If,  gracious  God,  in  life's  green,  ardent  year, 

A  thousand  times  thy  patient  love  I  tried  ; 
With  reckless  heart,  with  conscience  hard  and  sere. 

Thy  gifts  perverted,  and  thy  power  defied  : 
O  grant  me,  now  that  wintry  snows  appear 

Around  my  brow,  and  youth's  bright  promise  hide. 
Grant  me  with  reverential  awe  to  hear 

Thy  holy  voice,  and  in  thy  word  confide ! 
Blot  from  my  book  of  life  its  early  stain ! 

Since  days  misspent  will  never  more  return, 
My  future  path  do  thou  in  mercy  trace ; 
So  cause  my  soul  with  pious  zeal  to  burn, 

That  all  the  trust  which  in  thy  name  I  place, 
Frail  as  I  am,  may  not  prove  wholly  vain. 

From  the  Italian  of  Pietro  Bembo. 

"With  zeal  we  watch, 
And  weigh  the  doctrine,  while  the  spirit  'scapes; 
And  in  the  carving  of  our  cummin-seeds, 
Our  metaphysical  hair-splitting,  fail 
To  note  the  orbit  of  that  star  of  love 
Which  never  sets.  Mrs.  Sigourney. 

It  is  well  to  be  zealous  for  the  truth, 

God  loveth  not  those  who  are  lukewarm ; 
Fear  not  the  reproach  of  the  world  ; 

Hide  not  thy  light  under  a  bushel; 
Tell  thy  neighbour,  or  those  in  high  places, 

Of  the  sin  which  thou  see'st  them  committing, 
Yet  not  roughly,  nor  rudely,  though  firmly, 

But  temper  thy  zeal  with  discretion. 

It  is  well  to  be  zealous,  for  so  were 

Of  old  those  who  bore  God's  commission ; 
Their  hearts  burned  like  coals  from  the  altar, 

And  they  pressed  towards  the  mark  of  their  calling. 
So  do  thou,  in  thy  sphere  and  station. 

Spread  the  truth  as  it  dwelleth  in  Jesus ; 
In  season  and  out  be  thou  instant; 

Let  thy  zeal  be  according  to  knowledge.  JEgone. 


ziox.  705 

zion. 

Out  at  Zion,  the  periaotton  of  beauty,  God  hath  shined.— Paaim  l.  8. 

For  the  L<>r<l  hath  chosen  Zion;  He  hath  desired  it  for  His  habi- 
tation.—Psalm  cxxxii.  18. 

Behold  I  lay  in  Zion  a  stumbling-stone  and  rock  of  offence;   and 
whoeever  believetb  on  Him  shall  not   be  ashamed.     Romans, 

Glorious  things  of  thee  are  spoken, 

Zion,  city  of  our  God! 
He.  whose  word  cannot  be  broken, 

Formed  thee  for  His  own  abode. 

On  the  rock  of  ages  founded, 

What  can  shake  Thy  sure  repose  ? 
With  salvation's  walls  surrounded, 

Thou  may'st  smile  at  all  Thy  foes. 

Saviour,  if  of  Zioris  city 

I  through  grace  a  member  am, 
Let  the  world  deride  or  pity, 

I  will  glory  in  the  name. 

Fading  is  the  worldling's  pleasure, 

All  his  boasted  pomp  and  show  ; 
Solid  joys,  and  lasting  treasure, 

None  but  Zions  children  know.  Newton. 

Keep  thou  Zion  -ward  thy  face, 

Ask  in  faith  the  aid  of  grace, 

Use  the  strength  which  grace  shall  give, 

Die  to  self,  in  Christ  to  live.         Bernard  Barton. 

Go,  walk  about  Zion  and  measure  the  length, 
Her  walls  and  her  bulwarks  mark  well ; 

Contemplate  her  palaces,  glorious  in  strength, 
Her  towers  and  their  pinnacles  tell. 

Then  say  to  your  children : — "Our  stronghold  is  tried. 

This  God  is  our  God  to  the  end ; 
His  people  for  ever  his  counsels  shall  guide, 
His  arm  shall  for  ever  defend." 

James  Montgomery. 
*  2  z 


706  zion. 

By  Babylon's  proud  stream  we  sate, 
And  tears  gushed  quick  from  every  eye, 

When  our  own  Zions  fallen  state 
Came  rushing  to  our  memory  ; 

And  there,  the  willow-groves  among, 

Sorrowing,  our  silent  harps  we  hung. 

For  there  our  tyrants  in  their  pride, 
Bade  Judah  raise  the  exulting  strain, 

And  our  remorseless  spoilers  cried, 

"Come  breathe  your  native  hymns  again." 

Oh,  how  in  stranger  climes  can  we 

Pour  forth  Jehovah's  melody  ? 

When  thou,  loved  Zion,  art  forgot, 

Let  this  unworthy  hand  decay  ; 
When  Salem  is  remembered  not, 

Mute  be  these  guilty  lips  for  aye ! 
Yea,  if  in  transport's  livelier  thrill, 
Thou,  Zion,  art  not  dearer  still!  Thomas  Bale. 

He  who  slumbereth  not,  nor  sleepeth, 
His  ancient  watch  aroimd  us  keepeth; 
Still  sent  from  His  creating  hand, 
]S"ew  witnesses  for  truth  shall  stand — 
New  instruments  to  sound  abroad 
The  Gospel  of  a  risen  Lord  ; 

To  gather  to  the  fold  once  more 
The  desolate  and  gone  astray, 
The  scattered  of  a  cloudy  day, 

And  Zions  broken  walls  restore. 

J.  G.  WMttier. 
The  Lord  shall  comfort  Zion, 

Her  places  waste  restore, 
And,  of  her  silent  wilderness, 

Make  Eden  bloom  once  more  ; 
His  garden  she  shall  then  become, 

And  worthy  of  His  choice, 
Gladness  and  thanks  in  all  her  smiles, 

And  music  in  her  voice.  W.  G.  Simms. 


INDEX    OF    AUTHORS'    NAMES. 


Adams,  John*  Jay,  (American.)     Page  459. 

Adams,  Sarah  Flower,   (American.)     308  669. 

Addison,  Joseph.     Born    1672,    Died   1719.      90  175  204  271 

304  536  561  572  598. 
Akenside,  Mark.     Born  1721,  Died  1770.     141   375  383  561. 
Alciphron,  (Greek.)     2nd.  century  A.  C.     284. 
Aldrich,  Rev.  Henry,  D.  D.    Bom  1647,  Died  1710.    389. 
Alexander,  A.     316  374  485. 
Alexander,  J.    574. 
Alford,   Henry.     532. 
Allen,  William.     626. 
Allmann,  George  J.  O.     186. 
Amelia,  Princess.    Born  17S3,  Died  1810.    689. 
Anaxandrides,  (Greek.)     4th.  century,  B.  C.     21. 
Anderson,  William.     296  630. 
Angelo,   Michael —Michael  Angelo  Buonai-otti,  (Italian.)  Born 

1474,  Died  1563.     157  368  483. 
Anonymous.      9    17    18  30  31  54  60  119  130  135  138  141  143 

146  153    164  219  222  242  243  248  253  272  277  279  292  304 

309  319    323   334  312  362  380  444  461  466  512  534  559  577 

611. 
Arrutiinot,  Dr.  John.    Died  1735.    90. 
ARMSTRONG,  Dr.  John.     Born  1709,  Died  1779.    221  645 
Bacon,  William  Thomson.     288  566  630. 
Baillie,   Joanna.     Born  1762,   Died   1851.     112  122   124  196 

392  485  575. 
Bally,  George,  (American.)     27  45  239  340  428  416  470  477 

493  659. 
Barbauld,  Ann  Letitia.     Born  1763,  Died  1825.     38  136  165 

397  413  446  493  522  694. 
Barnard,  Mordaunt.     347. 
Barrett,  Elizabeth,   (Mrs.  Browning.)     35  40  179  185  204 

270  473  539  590. 
Barrtngton.  89. 
Barton,  Bernard.     Born  1786,  Died  1849.     211  241  282  288 

361   368  433  438  443  454   457  496  508  526  545  549  560  591 

663  671  705. 
Bates,  David.    412  500  564. 
Baxter.     112. 
Bayly.    413. 


708  INDEX    OF   AUTHORS'   NAMES. 

Beattie,  Dr.  James.     Born  1735,  Died  1803.     106  188  267  575 

601  677. 
Beattie,  Dr.  W.    285  394. 

Beaumont,  Sir  John.     Bom  1582,  Died  1628.     181  445. 
Beaumont,  Francis,  Born  1585,  Died  1616,  and  Fletcher, 

John.     Born  1576,  Died  1625.     161  182  537. 
Beckford,  William.     Born  about  1761,  Died  1844.     586. 
Beddome.     47  50  617. 
Bellamy,  Jacob.    376. 

Bembo,  Pietro,  (Italian.)     Born  1476,  Died  1554.     704, 
Bethune,  Alexander.     106  411  417  495. 
Blacklock,  Thomas.    Born  1721,  Died  1791.    453. 
Blackmore,  Sir  Richard.     Born  about  1650,  Died  1729.     169 

224  542 
Blair,  Robert.    Born  1699,  Died  1746.     44  171  216  258  264 

317  435  542  688  696. 
Bland.    284. 

Bloomfield,  Eobert.    Born  1776,  Died  1823.    529. 
Bogart,  Elizabeth.    411  460. 
Bolland,  William,  (American.)     34  36  250  391  478. 
Bowdler.    522. 

Bowles,  Caroline,  (Mrs.  Southey.)     149  350  508  647. 
Bowles,  William  Lisle.    Born  1762,  Died  1850.    63  78  228 

306  478. 
Bowring,  Dr.  John.    Born  1792.    58  94  129  301  437  625  683. 
Boyse.    43  478  482  674. 
Bradstreet,  Mrs.  Anne.    608. 
Brady  and  Tate.    175  187  586. 
Brainard,  John  Gardner  Calkins,  (American.)    Born  1796, 

Died  1828.     659. 
Brandon.    446. 

Bretano  Clement,  (Italian.)     253. 
Breton,  Nicholas.    Born  1555,  Died  1624.    261  359  421  490 

533 
Brock,  W.  J.    77  82  93  213  242  301  334  381  429  591  637. 
Brooke,  Arthur,  (John  Chalk  Claris.)     266. 
Brooke,   Lord,  (Sir  Falke  Greville.)     Born  1554,  Died  1628. 

383. 
Brooks,  Maria  A,  (American.)     27. 
Brown,  Dr.  R.    20  537. 
Browne,  Mary  Ann.     131  266  277  669. 
Brownlee,  W.  H.     127  506. 
Bryant,  William  Cullen,  (American.)     Born  1794.     104  154 

174  201  258  271  340  369  401  429  503  594. 
Brydges,  Sir  Egerton.    388  416. 
Bunyan,  John.     Born  1628,  Died  1688,     114  310  621. 
Burbidge,  John.     Born  1826.     32  63  83  213  330  444  559  686. 
Burbidge,  Thomas.    424  628. 
Burleigh,  W.  H.    45  49  362. 
Burns,   Robert.     Born  1751,   Died  1796.     40  62  146  233  283 

295  312  406  493  667  691. 


INDEX   OF   AUTHORS'   NAMES.  709 

Butler,  Samuel.  Born  1612,  Died  1680.    627. 

Byron,  (Lord)  George  Gordon.    Bora  17S8,  Died  1824.     185 

273  388  645. 
Calderon,  Pedro,  de  la  Barca,  (Spanish.)     Bora  1600,  Died 

1687.     364. 
Camoens,  Luiz  de,   (Portuguese.)  Bora  1524,  Died  1579.     643. 
Campbell,  Calder.     191  256. 

Campbell,  Thomas.     Born  1777,  Died  1844.     1.53  306. 
Campion.    446. 

Carew,  Lady  Elizabeth.     17th.  century.     501. 
Carreba.     195. 
Carringtox,  N.  T.    428. 
Carrion,  R  de,   (Spanish.)     169. 

Carter,  Mrs.  Elizabeth.     Bora  1717,  Died  1S06.     262  384. 
Case,  Rev.  E.     131  496. 
Caunter,  Dr.  John  Hobart.     335. 
Cawood.     30  73  120. 
Cennick.    6. 
Chapman,  George.     Bora  1557,  Died  1634.     336  470  530  541 

574  683. 
Charlotte  Elizabeth,  (Mrs.  Pelham,  and  Mr*.  Tinna.)     Born 

1790.    223  235. 
Chatelain,  Anna,  H.  V.  Le,  (French.)  291. 
Chattertox,  Thomas.     Bora  1752,  Died  1770.     361  518. 
Chaucer,  Geoffry.     Born  1328,  Died  1400.     430. 
Cheever,  G.  B.,   (America.)     19. 
Chexedolle.    525. 

Chester,  C.  L.,  and  J.  L.,    (American.)     122  466  558  666 
Churchilla,  Charles.     Born  1741,  Died  1764.     145  156. 
Churchyard,  Thomvs.    272. 
Clare,  Johx.     Born  1793.     449. 
Clark,  Willis  Gayford,  (American.)     Born  1810,  Died  1841. 

24  496  588  702. 
Claudian— Claudianus,  (Latin.)     About  390  B.  C     428. 
Clinch,  J.  H.     316  332. 
Cobbin.    323. 
Cockburn.     597. 
Coleridge,   Samuel  Taylor.     Born  1772,  Died  1834.     40  50 

119  160  173  189  212  222  239  247  273  347  367  405   429  464 

562  607  624  654. 
Collixg,  Mary  Maria.    Born  1805.     398. 
Coloxxa,  Vittoria,    (Italian.)     Born  about  1490,   Died  1547. 

69  640. 
Coltox,  George  H.,  (American.)     173  691. 
Coltox,  C  C     17   55  188  208  217  256  292  414  45S  644  651. 
Coxder,  J os i ah.     59  88  323. 

Coxgreve,  William.     Born  1672,  Died  1729.     4S  547  600. 
Cook,  Eliza.     20  126  262  279  428  459  463  508  659  675   699 

702. 
Cooke,  Mrs.  F.  H.     427. 
Cotta,  Giovaxxi,   (Italian.)     39. 


710  INDEX   OF  AUTHORS'  NAMES. 


Cotton,  Charles.     Born  1630,  Died  1687.     504  611. 
Cowley,  Abraham.     Born  1618,  Died  1667.     476  610  646. 
Cowper,  William.     Born  1731,  Died  1800.     8  10  15  23  35  39 
61  81  108  113  119  140  159  161  163  230  238  241  258  259  261 
262   275  276  306  313  331  343  354  356  364  378  407  410  415 
445   448  457  460  462  464  465  468  484  485  504  505  518  528 
533   548  606  612  613  615  618  628  634  636  644  649  667  673 
681    681  688  694  701. 
Coxe,  Arthur  C     117. 

Crabbe,  George.     Bom  1754,  Died  1832.     85  171  383  443  587. 
Crawshaw,  Eichard.     Died  about  1650.     158  586. 
Croly,  George.     324  451  479  569  624. 
Crosswell,  William.     335. 

Cumberland,  Richard.     Born  1732,  Died  1811.     198. 
Cunningham,   Allan.     Bom   1784,   Died   1842.     100   103  228 

532 
Curry,  Otwat  M.    203 
Da,  Costa.    511. 

Dale,  Thomas.     308  391  461  543  706. 
Dana,  Matilda  F.,   (American.)     50. 
Dana,  Eichard  Henry,   (American.)     Bom  1787.     312. 
Daniel,  Samuel.     Born  1562,  Died  1619.     232  267  540. 
Darwin,  Dr.  Erasmus.     Born  1721,  Died  1802.     655. 
Davenant,   Sir  William.     Bom  1605,   Died   1668.     139   150 

168  559  672. 
Davenport,  E.     342. 
De  Courcey,  281  516  619. 
Dekker,  Thomas.     Died  about  1638.     619. 
Davis,  Elnathan.    95. 
Davies,    Sir  John.     Bom  1570,  Died  1626.     286  373  530  559 

633. 
Dawes,  Eufus,  (American.)     Born  1803.     404  655. 
Denham,  Sir  John.     Born  1615,  Died  1668.     183  249  321  533 

701. 
Di  Ceo,  Violante,   (Italian.)     436. 
Dennies,  Anna  Peyre,   (American.)     308. 
Doane,  Bishop,  (George  Washington,  American.)    Born   1799. 

156  535. 
Doddridge,  Dr.    Born  1702,   Died   1751.     46  84  134  236  263 

324  329  365  431  495  504  554  613  623  697  699. 
Dodsley,  Eobert.     Born  1703,  Died  1764.     593. 
Donne,  Dr.  John.     Born   1573,  Died  1631.     33  119  491. 
Dorset,  Earl  of.  (Charles  SackvilkO     Born  1637,  Died  1706. 

140. 
Drayton,  Michael,  Born  1563,  Died  1631.    449. 
Uremlus.     491. 
Drummond,  William.     Born   1585,   Died   1649.      68  200  327 

453  541  687  688. 
Dryden  John.      Born  1630,  Died  1700.      41  61  72  87  90  114 
121  180  202  232  289  298  317  318  402  160  472  476  491  500 
541  542  565  593  651  661. 


INDEX    OK   AUTHORS*    NAMES.  Vll 

Duick,  John.    523. 

Duncan.     619. 

Dyer,  John.     Bom  1700,  Died  1758.     146. 

Eames,  E.  J.  511. 

Eastburx,  James  Wallis,  (American.)  564. 

Edmestox,  Jambs.  98  234  369  457  510. 

Egone.  71  77  79  82  97  99  101  104  129  147  161  176  178  197 

202  208  218  220  223  230  268  283  294  298  309  316  321  332 

344  353  372  386  404  422  438  471  483  502  503  506  507  553 

595  597  602  622  626  632  634  635  639  648  665  666  704. 
Elliott,  Ebenezer.  Born  1781,  Died  1849.  89  591  622  668 

680. 
Ellis,  G.     609. 

Elizabeth,  Queen.     Born  1533,  Died  1^02.     144. 
Ellwood,  Thomas.     Born  1639,  Died  1713.     251  287  661. 
Embury,  Mrs.  Emma  C,  (American.)     Born  about  1807.    685. 
Erlach,  Count  Frederick  Von,  (German.)     652. 
Evans,  J.    43  224. 

Everest,  Charles  TV.  (American.)     335. 
Everett,  Edward,  (American.)     Born  1794.     488. 
Faber,  Frederick  William.     116  338  426. 
Farquh arson,  Stuart.     120  301. 
Fawcett,  8  321  486. 
Feltox,  John  Brooks.     603. 
Fiamma,  Gabriel,  (Italian.)     Born  1533,  Died  1585.     148  354 

589  703. 
Fields,  James  T.,  (American.)     228. 

Flatman,  Thomas.     Born  about  1635,  Died  about  1688.     419. 
Flecknoe.     539. 
Fletcher,  Giles.     16th.  century.     80  92  118  140  151  315  317 

382  514  516  578  613  615  661. 
Fletcher,  Phineas.     Born  1584,  Died  1650.     144  447  535. 
Fletcher,  T.     52. 
Flinders.  Axx.     124. 

Ford,  John.     Burn  1586,  Died  1639.     396  456  627. 
Franci>.     645. 

Freiligrath,  Ferdinand,  (German.)     Born  1810.    67  566. 
French,  From  the.    70  239  291  507  545  570  580  589. 
Frowde.     501. 
Fry,  Caroline.     212. 
Gallagher,  W.  D.     207  416. 
Garth,  Sir  S  uiuel.     Died  1718.     173. 
Gascoigne,  George.     Born  about  1540,  Died  about  1578.     152 

497 
Gay.  John.     Born  1688,  Died  1732.     171  199  255  277. 
German,  From  the.     56  67  118  227  288  290  317  451   183  566 

616  652  674  677. 
Gibbons.    233. 

Gibson,  William.     142  324  636. 
Gilman,  Caroline.    24. 
Gisborne.     210  436. 


712  index  of  authors'  names. 

Glassford,  James.    523. 

Glyn.     39  110  268  274  294. 

Goethe,  Johann  "Wolfgang,  (German.)    Born  1749,  Died  1832. 

56. 
Goldsmith,  Oliver.     Born  1730,  Died  1774.     133  432  579. 
Gomersall,  Bobert.     Born   1600.     180. 
Goode.     387. 
Gostick,    Joseph.     31  290  342  357  370  437  474  517  566  573 

599  602. 
Gould,  Hannah  F.,  (American.)      Born  about  1792.     38  377 

411  414  585  638  679. 
Grahame,  James.     Born  1765,  Died  1811.     98  400  431  455  499 

654  685.  , 

Grant,  Sir  Robert.     14  131  254  407  596  624  667  681. 
Gray,  Thomas.     Born  1716,  Died  1771.     17  251. 
Gray,  Miss.    399. 

Greek,  From  the.    21  208  284  452. 
Grenfield,  Thomas.    512. 
Greville,  Sir  Falke,  (Lord  Brooke.)     Born  1554,  Died  1628. 

440. 
Gurney,  Archer.    57. 

Habbington,  William.     Born  1605,  Died   1654.     560. 
Hale,  Sarah  Josepha,  (American.)     191  403. 
Hallam,  Arthur  Henry.     Born  1824,  Died  1850.     628. 
Hamilton,  W.    347. 
Hamley,  Rev.  E.    285. 
Hammond.    531. 
Hancox.    89. 
Hanklnson.    300. 
Hart.    212  694. 
Havard.    221  302. 
Hayes,  Samuel,  (American.)     7   42  60   64    149  239  273  292 

304  314  331  351  376  385  400  408  479  482  485  544  571  577  582 

636. 
Hayley,  William.     Born  1745,  Died  1820.     71. 
Heber,  Bishop  Reginald.     Born   1783,    Died    1826.      16  88 

160  172  192  218  232  278  306  337  364  378  387  399  422  528 

538  607  653. 
Hemans,   Felicia  Dorothea.     Born  1793,   Died  1835.     66  70 

172  245  253  297  299  315  367  410  449  462  499  509  525  56S 

573  590  625  690. 
Heraud,  John  A.     72  100  128  138  191  196  210  251  293  314  320 

326  349  365  379  421  465  468  557  595  630  631. 
Herbert,  George.     Born  1592,  Died  1633.     49  65  98  123  209 

255  262  452  497  498  542  560  579  627  695. 
Herbert,  Hon.  and  Rev.  William.     27. 
Herder,    Johann    Gottfried,    (German.)     Born    1744,  Died 

1803.    451  677. 
Herrick,  Robert.     Born  1591.  82  132  188  310  647 

Hervey,  T.  K.     Born  about  1804.     102  692. 
Heginbotham.    187. 


INDEX   OF   AUTHORS'   NAMES.  713 

Hetherlngton,  Rev.  W.  If.  268. 

II f.y,  John.    271  482  567  642. 

Hicks.     690. 

Hill,  Aaron.     199  216. 

Hillhouse,    Jamfs    A.,    (American.)    Born    1789,    Died    1841. 

400 
Hirst,  H.  B.     320  419. 

Hoadley,  Bishop  Benjamin.     Born  1676.     109. 
Hodson,    William.      Born    1745,    Died    1851.      164    331    544 

594. 
Hoffman,  Charlf^  Ffnno,  (American.)     Born  1806.     362. 
Hogg,  James.     Born  1772.     Died  1835.     75. 
Hood,  Thomas.     Born  1789.    Died  1845.     115  408. 
Holmes,  Oliver  Wendell,  (American.)*  Born  1809.     534. 
Homer,  (Greek.)     About  500  B.  C.     208. 
Hooper,  Lucy,  (American.)     570. 
Horace — Qutnttjs  Horatius    Flaccus.     (Latin.)      Born    65 

B.  C,  Died  2  A.  C.     169  268. 
Horne,  Bishop  George.     Born  1730,  Died  1792.     171   352. 
Horne,  Richakd  H.     450. 
Housman,  R.  F.    296. 

Howell,  James.     Born  about  1596,  Died  1666.     169. 
Howes.    611. 

Howitt,  Mary.     76  117  213  229  .506   614. 
Howitt,  Richard,  126. 
Hoyle,  Charles.    400  413  .556. 
Hughes,  Thomas.    38  226  567. 
Humphreys.    475. 
Hunnis,  Willlvm.    650. 
Hunt,  Leigh.     Born  1784.     110  247  4-50. 
Huntingdon,  C.     115. 

Hurd,  Bishop  Richard.    Born  1720,  Died  1808.     147. 
Hukdis.    87. 
Hutton.     467. 

Ingelgren,  (Swedish.)     206. 
Italian.  From  the.     14  39  157  188  200  354  355  356  368  436 

455  483  576  589  640  703  704. 
James,  I.,  King.     Born  1566.     Died  1625.     587. 
Jamfs,  G.  P.  R.     Born  about  1800.     213. 
Jami,    Abd  Alrhamen   ebn   Achmed,  (Persian.)     Born    1414, 

Died  1494.     252. 
Jenner,  Charles,     (American.)     33  34  431  477  567  630. 
Jf.nyns,  Soamf.     Bom  1704,  Died  1787.     216. 
Jfv^bury,  Miss.     365. 
Johnson,  C.  H.     16  51  52  387. 
Johnson,  Dr.  Samuel.     Born  1709,  Died   1784.     252  255  276 

289  340  396  456  610  662. 
Jonson,  Ben.     Born  1576,   Died  1637.     121    139   168  339  632. 
Juvenal,  Decimus  Junius,  (Latin.)  Died  128.     139. 
.Ionf.s,  Rev.  E.  C.  and  Joseph.     639  649. 
Kamphuyzrn.     137  631. 


714  INDEX    OF   AUTHORS'    NAMES. 

Keble.  4  33  34  76  86  116  162  166  192  249  251  2S6  288  300 

316  379  399  401  431  442  448  493  494  567  586  590  612  668 

678. 
Kelly.  4  S6  385  637. 

Kemble,  Frances  Ann,  (Mrs.  Butler.)     23  5S9. 
Ken.  Bishop.     46  150  291   410. 
King,  Bishop  Henry,    (Reign   of  James  I.)     44  446  534  541 

551  67S. 
Kington.  J.  B.     229. 

Knchvles,  James  Sheridan.     Born  1784.     377. 
Knox,  Willlvm,  (American.)     10  24  40  155  244  303  606. 
Korner,  Theodore,  (German.)     Born  1788,  Died  1S42.     552. 
Krummacher,  (German.)     317  616. 
Lamb,  Charles.     Born   about   1775,  Died   1S34.     40   249   426 

510. 
Lamartine.  Alphonse  de,  (French.)    Born  1790.     70  239  507 

545  570  580  589. 
Landon.  Letitia  Elizabeth.     (Mrs.    Mc  Lean.)     Bom   1S02, 

Died  1S38.    59   134  181   204   315   368  394  479  580   584  587 

603  701. 
Landor,  Walter  Savage.     Born  1775.     270. 
Latln.  from  the.    169  215  26S  428  452  611  696. 
La  yard,  C.  P.     109  117  263  501  588  632  636. 
Lease,  William.     698. 

Leatham,  William  Henry.     Born  1815.     646. 
Lee,  D.  K.     342. 
Leon,  Lns  Ponce  de,  (Spanish.)    Born  1528,  Died  1591.     173 

535  546. 
Letham,  Alexander.    417. 
Lever,  Christopher.    Born  1607.    618  641. 
Leyden,  Dr.  John.     Born  1775.  Died  1811.     512. 
Llllo,  William.     Bora  1693,  Died  1739.     269  299  464. 
Llnden,  John.    77. 
Little,  Mrs.     353  431. 

Logan,  John.     Born  1748,  Died  1788.     26  83  405  510  558. 
Longfellow,  Henry  Wadsavorth,   (American.)     Born   1807. 

3  204  265  358  436  676. 
Loud,  Mrs.  St.  Leon.    24. 
Lowell,  James  Russell,   (American.)  Born  1819,     48  142  189 

214. 
Lowth,    Bishop   Eobert.     Bora    1710,    Died  1787.     163   237 

273  3S3  513. 
LrxT,  George.    690. 

Luther,  Martin.    (German.)   Bora  1483,   Died   1546.     118. 
Lynch,  Ann  C.  389. 
Lyte.   283  692. 
Lytton.  Sir  Edward  Bulwer.     Born  1803.     45  109  125  166 

174  211   212  258  264  441  491. 
Macxay,    Charles,  L.  L.  D.     Born  1812.     60  96  253  616  654. 
ilADAN.     36  395. 
Macho,  Celio,    (Italian.)     Born  1536.     455. 


index  of  authors'  names.  715 

Mant,   Bishop.     29  34  75  124  155  187  269  298  309  336  347 

378  494  495  511  529  571  691 
Manzoni,  (Italian.)     576. 

Marlowk,  Christopher.     Born  1562.  Died  1592.     293. 
Marmvon,  Shakerley.     271  641. 

MaBRIOTT.      517. 

Maksim  n,  Josiah.     607. 

Marston,  John.     Died  1634.     530. 

Martin,  William.     115  231  489  513  531  617  622  657. 

Marvii.i,  Andrew.     Born  1620,  Died  1»>78.     170  In!  245  339. 

Mason,  William.  Burn  1725,  Died  1797.  HI  882  320  357 
471. 

Massixger,  PuiLir.  Born  about  158*,  Died  1639.  183  250 
351. 

Master.     487. 

May,  Thomas.     Born  1595,  Died  1650.     319. 

Maybe,  John.    Born  1761,  Died  1836.     115. 

M'  Cartee,  Mrs.     552. 

M'  Carthy.     364. 

Mc'  Kellar,  Thomas.     448  501. 

Mc'  Llod.  C.  D.    43. 

Mc'  Xeill,  Hector.     142. 

Medici,  Lorenzo  de,  (Italian.)     Born  1448,  Died  1492.     14. 

Medley.     341. 

Mexdoza,  Lopez  de,  (Spanish.)    274. 

Mfrvick,  James.     Born  1720,  Died  1767.    463. 

Mbbbitt,  Thomas  Light.     Born  1794.     57  185. 

Metastasio,  Pietro,  (Italian.)     Born  1698,  Died  1782.     188. 

Mickle,  William  Julius.  Born  1734,  Died  1788.    102  141  159. 

Middleton,  Thomas.     Born  1570,  Died  1627.     32. 

Milman,  Henry  Hart.  Born  1791.  16  338  368  385  391  410 
557  562  620. 

Milner,  Mary.     Born  1796.     110  263  265. 

Milton,  John.  Born  1608,  Died  1674.  5  7  9  11  15  22  25 
28  41  49  51  59  60  72  78  92  97  107  113  121  129  135  137 
138  143  148  154  162  165  169  176  178  1*2  183  189  205  208 
216  223  224  225  236  238  250  251  252  257  261  293  312  322 
337  359  360  374  386  389  409  420  421  424  426  432  434  445 
453  472  475  502  503  520  521  524  544  554  557  565  668  573 
576  593  596  605  618  627  634  641  642  648  652  656  665  672 
679  684. 

Mitchell,  J.  K.     265  492  512. 

Moile,  Nicholas  Thorning.     601. 

Moir,  1).  M.,  (Delta.)     Died  1851.     561  624, 

Montague,  £.  L.     181. 

Montgomery,  James.  Born  1771,  Died  1854.  2  5  12  20 
43  49  53  64  74  76  87  90  92  96  100  111  125  128  135  142 
153  177  180  185  187' 2u4  225  226  229  235  242  243  246 
254  285  311  319  322  337  360  393  396  405  408  417  425  439 
458  467  473  488  505  515  524  536  545  549  558  563  570  597 
631  634  637  646  647  656  670  685  686  693  705. 


716  INDEX   OF   AUTHORS'   NAMES. 

Montgomery,  Robert.     23  30  43  55   116   126   217   298   301 

320  340  376  380  384  419  438  451  481  492  500  502  526   570 

572  597  609. 
Moore,  Thomas.     Born  1780,  Died  1852.     71  162  204  214  283 

291  357  361  491  529  690. 
More,  Hannah.     Born  1745,  Died  1833.     103  150  241  357  561 

593  634  652  667  673  679  684. 
More,  Dr.  Henry.     Born  1614,  Died  1687.     325. 

MOREHEAD.       226. 

Morris,  George  P.,  (American.)    Born  1800.    67  385. 

Moxon,  Edward.     357. 

Neal,  Mrs.     125  625. 

Needham.     48  176  222  473. 

Neele,  Henry      Born  1798,  Died  1828.     375. 

Newton,  John.     3  179  186  474  619  620  681  703  705. 

Nicholas,  Alexander.     145. 

Nicol,  Robert.     Born  1814,  Died  1837.     174  302  524  588. 

Norris.     577. 

Norton,  Caroline  Elizabeth  Sarah.   Born  about  1806.    79 

93  96  174  258  379  384  410  461  574  629  683. 
Ogilyie.     197. 
Oldys.    537. 
Oliver.     177  272  692. 
Opie,  Amelia.     Bom  1771.    343  443  647. 
Pardoe,  Miss.     664  692. 

Park,  Benjamin,  (American.)     Born  1809.    45  181. 
Parnell,  Thomas.     Born  1679,  Died   1718.     18   42    125   160 

172  203  276  277  360  367  419  454  494  542. 
Patterson,  S.  D.     112  395  404  660. 
Peabody,  William  B.  O.,  (American.)    Born  1799.    207  260 

455  671. 
Pearson.     522. 

Peele,  George.    Died  about  1598.     163. 
Peers,  Charles.     314. 
Pembroke,  Countess  of.    345. 
Perronet.     263  412. 
Persian,  From  the.     232  252. 
Perseus— Aulus  Persius  Flaccus,  (Latin.)    Born  32,  Died 

62.     611. 
Peter,  W.     371  463  620. 
Phelan.     555. 

Pierpont,  John,  (American.)     Born  1785.    594. 
Pitt,  Christopher.     672. 
Play,  Old.     25  540. 

Poe,  Edgar  Allan,  (American.)    Born  1811,  Died  1829.   539. 
Pollok,  Rohert.     Born  1799,  Died  1827.     42  62  122  193  199 

217  256  288  313  354  464  480  522  553  566  609  612  615  674. 
Poole,  Joshua.     249. 

Pomfret,  John.     Lorn  1G67,  Died  1703.     77  172. 
Pope,  Alexander.     Born  1688,  Died  1744.     90  208  216  232 

238  253  333  387  409  416  434  453  547  589  594  645. 


INDEX    OF    AUTHORS'    NAMES.  717 

Porteus,  Bishop  Beilby.     Born  1731,  Died  1808.     533  554 

641  677. 
Portuguese,  From  the.     643. 
Praed,  Westhrop  Mackworth.    485. 
Pratt,  Ann.     574. 

Pringle,  Thomas.     Born  1788,  Died  1834.     393. 
Prior,  Matthew.     Born  1664,  Died  1721.     97   107    165    172 

290  317  389  416. 
Prudentius  Aurelius  Clemens,  (Latin.)    4th.  century.     452. 
Pulling,  William.     239  404  487  507  545  570  580. 
Quarles,  Francis.      Born  1592,  Died  1642.     19  84  140  148 

156  157  193  287  289  355  374  383  432  456  540  odd  598  633 

672  688  701. 
Quarles,  John.    642. 
Raffles.     92. 
Raleigh,  Sir  Walter.     Born  1552,  Died  1618.     151  198  236 

442  521  600  642. 
Randolph,  Thomas.    Born  1605,  Died  163  .    257  427  553  564 

600  627  691. 
Reddell,  Constantly  Louisa.     280  307  333  370  433  439  486. 
Reed,  Mary  J.     663. 
Richmond,  Leigh.     173  264  660. 
Robl»on,  E.    423  475. 
Rock,  William  F.     658. 

Rogers,  Samuel.     Born  1762.     30  258  499  510  592  601. 
Roscoe,  William.    Born  1753,  Died  1831.    35. 
Roscommon,  Earl  of.    Born  1633,  Died  1684.     160  696. 
Rosegarten.     160  664. 

Rowe,  Nicholas.    Born  1673,  Died  1718.    169  257  371. 
Rowley.    501. 

Russian,  From  the.     423  440  558  683. 
Ryland.     236. 
Sacxville,  Charles,  (Earl  of  Dorset.)    Born  1637,  Died  1706. 

21  189  215  392. 
Sanazzaro.     356. 

Saxdys,  George.    Born  1577,  Died  1643.    11  175  317  505  547. 
Schiller,  Friedrick,  (German.)    Born  1759,  Died  1800.    227 

288  674. 
Scott,  James.     37  513  543  668. 
Scott,  Sir  Walter.     Born  1771,  Died  1832.     61  166  172  360 

513  606. 
Shakspere,  William.     Born  1564,  Died  1616.     19  33  44  80 

85  90  120  135  144  165  167  181  182  190  215  223224  240  257 

261  289  293  313  314  339  343  382  408  409  420  430  464  490 

533  539  547  551  560  598  600  604  642  646  652  681. 
Saea,  John  A.     525. 

Shellky,  Percy  Bysshe.   Born  1792,  Died  1822.   180  549  689. 
Shepard,  Isaac  F.  512  663. 
Shepherd.    520. 
Sherburne,  Sir  E.     140. 
Shirley,  George  E.    73. 


718  INDEX  OF  AUTHORS'    NAMES. 

Shirley,  James.    Born  1594,  Died  1656.     132  168  250  289  290. 
Sidney,  Sir  Philip.     Born  1554,  Died  1586.     180  221  551. 
Sigourney,  Lydia  Huntley,  (American.)    Born  about  1797. 

1  58  116  179  244  260  377  384  395  402  403  407  435  474  488 

525  539  562  575  578  585  602  613  638  670  675  678  704. 
Simms,  William  Gilmore,  ( American  )    706. 
Sladden,  Dilnot.     Born  1814,  Died  1839.     218. 
Small,  Peter.     17th.  century.     605. 
Smart,  Christopher.     Born  1722,  Died  1770.    25  74  123  183 

203  228  288  390  409  441  673. 
Smith,  Charlotte,  13,  333. 
Smith,  Horace.    Died  1849.     312  485  588. 
Somerville,  William.     Born  1682,  Died  1742.    376. 
Southern,  Thomas.     Born  1659,  Died  1746.    472. 
Southey,  Mrs.,  (Caroline  Bowles.)     117  137  367  506. 
Southey,  Robert.   Born  1774,  Died  1813.    149  237  381  572  580. 
Southwell,  Robert.     Born  1560,  Died  about  1596.      7  144 

198  310  456. 
Spanish,  From  the.     169  178  204  274  364  452  535  546. 
Spear,  T.  G.     442. 
Spenser,  Bishop.     519. 
Spenser,  Edmund.     Born  1553,  Died  1599.     28  44  87  137  183 

198  203  305  339  472  505  565  672. 
Sprague,  Charles,  (American.)     Born  1791.     254  526. 
Startcey,  D.  P.     294. 
Steele.     26  81  274  330  414  522  635. 
Steele,  Mrs.     311. 
Stennett.     101  371  599  620. 

Sterling,  John.     114  173  212  462  492  539  562  563  570  669. 
Sternhold.     16tli.  century.     113. 

Stillingfleet,  Bishop  Edward.   Born  1636,  Died  1699.   346. 
Still,  Peter.     697. 
Story,  Robert     57. 

Street,  Alfred  B.,  (American.)     Born  1811.    266. 
Swain,  Charles.     20  220  369. 
Syme,  J.  B.    94. 
Symmons.     215. 
Synesius.    452. 

Talfourd,  Thomas  Noon.    Born  1795,  Died  1854.     223  408. 
Tappan,  W.  B.    481  523. 

Tarsia,  (Lord  of  Belmont— Italian.)     15th.  century.     200. 
Tasso,  Torquato,  (Italian.)     Born  1544,  Died  1595.     355. 
Tatham,  Emma.     94. 
Taylor,  Emily.     403. 
Taylor,  George.     186. 
Taylor,  Henry.     197. 
Taylok,  Jane.    211. 
Taylor,  John.     17th.  century.     136. 
Tennysox,  Alfred.     Born  about  1810.    53   176  206  273  348 

552  626  628  679. 
Thompson,  Charles  West,  (American.)    69. 


INDEX   OF   AUTHORS'    NAMES.  719 

Thomsoh,  James.     Born  1700,  Died  1748.     29  58  69  91  205 

360  415  436  440  441  449  491  527  579  587  644  652. 
Tickkli,  Thomas.     Horn  1686,  Died  1740.     1(58  251. 
Toplady.     17  277  507. 
townshend.    381. 
Tucker,  C.     702. 
Tupper,  Martin  Farquhar.    Born  1811.      201  280  310  34S 

349  351  459  515  626  666  675. 
Vaughan,  Henry.     Born  1614,  Died  1695.      91  152  170  397 

435  509  688. 
Y  u  x.  Lord,    Died  1560.     281  600. 
Virgil— Publtus  Virgimvs  Maro,  (Latin.)    Born  about  70, 

Died  about  19  B.C.     215. 
Yooelwkidr,  Walter  ton  der,  (German.)     Born  1170,  Died 

1227.     290. 
Vondrl.     379. 
Walker.    251. 
Waller,  Edmund:     Born  1605,  Died  1687.    23    01    118   344 

366  374  409  484  650  665  667. 
Ward,  Thomas.     45  196  300  433  506  668. 
Wardlaw,  Dr.    489. 
Wars,  Henry,  (American.)     Born  1794.      104   117   136   266 

377  398  418  435  475. 
Waring,  Ann  L.    202  239  272  326  372  446  685. 

WATKYN8.      541. 

Watts,  Dr.  Isaac.  Born  1674,  Died  1748.  2  4  6  8  9  14 
77  SI  101  161  165  177  182  194  237  212  213  253  269  295  297 
304  325  330  333  334  350  383  386  388  401  413  456  467  473 
479  503  518  519  520  532  551  577  618  623  635  640  656  662 
682  689  693  701. 

Webster,  John.  Died  about  1638.  19  408  428. 

Whir.  399. 

Wrlby,  Amelia,  (American.)     Bom  about  1821.     350. 

Weld,  II.  H.     117  155  376  448  466  556  584. 

Wesley,  Charles  and  John.  Charles  Horn  1708.  Died  1788. 
John  Born  1703,  Died  1791.  3  6  30  S3  84  111  133  192 
219  330  462  166  499  519  ooo  580  651  656  657  682  693  694. 

White,  Henry  Kirke.  Born  1785,  Died  1806.  53  93  105 
146  190  210  298  353  410  498. 

Whitney.    627. 

Whittier,  John  Greenleap,  (American)  Born  1880.  42 
125  213  214  308  369  429  502  513  552  655  660  669  706. 

Whytk.    558. 

Wilcox,  Charles,  (American.)    Born  1794,  Died  1827.     58. 

Willis,  Nathaniel  Parker,  (American.)  Born  1807.  234 
332. 

Wn  son,  Professor  John,  (Christopher  North.)  Born  1788, 
Died  1854.     64  130  174. 

Winslow,  B.  D.    45  160. 

Wither,  George.  Born  1588,  Died  1667.  133  221  227  509 
651  662  665. 


720  INDEX   OF   AUTHORS'    NAMES. 


Wood,  W.  Spicer.    -486. 

Woodbridge,  Miss  A.  D.     283. 

Wordsworth,  William.  Born  1770,  Died  1850.  13  65  75 
99  105  108  147  191  200  227  341  346  368  372  388  417  419 
430  454  464  477  504  511  534  548  579  585  598  601  612  629 
645  683  690. 

Wotton,  Sir  Henry.  Born  1568,  Died  1639.  15  80  138  145 
261  275  340  448  661. 

Wyatt,  Sir  Thomas.     Born  1503,  Died  1541.     677. 

Wtthes,  Joseph  H.     67. 

Young.  Edward.  Born  1681,  Died  1765.  22  27  29  37  42 
44  97  121  141  158  159  170  183  190  194  206  208  217  231  240 
241  257  287  305  318  321  333  355  356  366  375  390  412  413 
416  418  428  432  445  454  470  476  477  480  484  498  504  515 
521  527  561  601  605  606  610  643  660  661  673  689  695. 

Zouch.     17th.  centurv.     5S4. 


INDEX    OF    SUBJECTS. 


Aaron,  1 
Abel,  2 
Abhorrence,  3 
Abide— Abode,    1 
Abound — Abundance.  5 
Above,  6 
Abraham.  7 
Absence,  8 
Acceptance.  9 
Acquaintance.   H> 
Adam  and  Eve.   II 
Admonition,   13 
Adoration,   14 
Advent.  15 
Adversity,    1 7 
Affection,   1 H 
Affliction.   19 
Age,  21 
Almighty,  25 
Ambition.  27 
Angels,  28 
Anger,  31 
Apostles,  33 
Ascension,  37 
Atheism.   39 
Atonement,  41 
Avarice,  44 
Awake— Arise.    16 
Awe,  48 
Baptism,  49 
Baptist,  John  the,  51 
Beautiful,  53 
Belief— Unbelief,   55 

Bells,  :><; 

Beneficence— Benevolence. 

58 
Benefit,  59 
Benignity.  60 
Bible,  The.  61 
Birds— Fowls  68 
Birth— Born.  72 


Blessing  —  Blessedness  — 

Bless,  7  1 
Blindness.  7s 
Blood,  80 
Blossom.  82 
Boldness.  83 
Bondage.  84 
Book,  85 
Bounty.  87 
Bread,  88 

Break — Breaking.   '."• 
Breath — Breathing,  !'l 
Brightness.  92 
Brotherhood.  93 
Calamity,  97 
Calmness,  (^< 
Calvary,  100 
Canaan,  101 
Captivity,  102 
Care— Careful.   103 
Change,    105 
Charity,   107 
Charge,  111 
Chastening,    112 
Cherub— Seraph.    113 
Childhood— Infancy.    I  1  1 
Christ— Christmas.    1  1 8 
Christianity.   121 
Church.    123 
City,   127 
Clothes.    129 
Clouds.   130 
Comfort.   132 
Command— Commandment, 

1 35 
Compassion.   136 
Concord.   137 
Conquest,    138 
Conscience,  139 
Consolation. 
Content,   in 


722 


IXDEX    OF   SUBJECTS. 


Contrition,  148 

Courage,   150 

Court,  151 

Covenant— Eainbow,  152 

Creation.  154 

Crown,   156 

Cross — Crucifixion,   157 

Danger,  161 

Darkness,   162 

David,  163 

Day,  165 

Death,  167 

Defence,  175 

Delight,  176 

Deliverance,  177 

Delusions,  178 

Denial,  179 

Desire— Desires,    180 

Desolation,  181 

Destruction,  182 

Devotion — Devout,   183 

Dew,  184 

Distress,  187 

Doubt,  188 

Dread— Dreadful,  189 

Dust,  190 

Duty,  191 

Dwell— Dwelling.  192 

Earth,  193 

Elements,  197 

Envy,   198 

Error,  200 

Estate,  202 

Eternity,  203 

Evening,  205 

Example.  208 

Faith.  209 

Fall,  '214 

Fame,  215 

Farewell,  218 

Father,  219 

Fear,  221 

Fellowship,  223 

Finished,  224 

Flood,  225 

Flowers,  227 

Folly,  230 
Forgetfulness,  23 1 

Forgiveness,  232 
Foundation,  235 
Fountain,  236 


Frailty,  237 

Freedom,  238 

Friendship,  240 

Gain,   243 

Garden  —  Eden  —  Gethse- 

ruane,  244 
Gentleness,  247 
Giving,  249 
Glory,  250 
God,  252 
Gold,  255 
Goodness,  257 
Gospel,  259 
Grace,  261 
Grave— Tomb,  264 
Greatness,   267 
Grief,  269 
Guidance,  271 
Guilt,  273 
Happiness,  275 
Harvest,   279 
Hatred,  280 
Head,  281 
Healing,  282 
Health,  284 
Hearing,  286 
Heart,  287 

Heaven— Heavens,  289 
Hell,  293 
Help,  295 
Hills,  296 
Holiness,  298 
Home,  299 

Honesty,  302 

Honour,  303 

Hope,  305 

House,  309 

Humility,   310 

Hymn,  312 

Hypocrisy,  313 

Idolatry,  315 

Image,  317 

Immortality,  318 

Inspiration,  321 

Instruction,  322 

Intercession,  323 

Israel,  324 

Jehovah,  325 

Jerusalem,  327 

Jesus,  329 

Jews,  331 


INDEX    OV   smjECTs. 


728 


Jordan,   882 

Joy.  333 

Judah.   335 

Judge— Judgment.  386 

Justice.   889 

Kindness.  31 1 

King.  343 

Kingdom.  344 

Knowledge.  845 

Labour.  349 

Land,  850 

Law,  351 

Leaf,  352 

Learning.  .">•'>."> 

Liberty,  351 

Life,  355 

Light.  359 

Lord,  363 

Love,  366 

Lowliness,  372 

Man,  373 

Marriage,  377 

Martyrdom.  378 

Meekness,  380 

Meeting,  381 

Mercy,  382 

Message,  386 

Messiah,  387 

Mind,  388 

Ministry,  389 

Miracles,  390 

Misery,  392 

Missionaries,  393 

Moment — Minute.  3!i»i 

Morning,  397 

Moses,  400 

Mother,  402 

Mountain,  106 

Mourning.   106 

Murder,  408 

Music,  409 

Mystery,  412 

Name,  413 

Nature,  415 

Night,  418 

Obedience  —  Disobedience. 

m 

Offering.   122 
One,  423 
Paradise,   121 
Pardon.    126 


Parents,  427 

Passions.  428 

Past,  429 

Pastor.  430 

Patience.  432 

Peace,  43  I 

Perfection.    138 

Pestilence— Plague.  43!) 

Philosophy,  440 

Pilgrimage.    1 1  _' 

Pity,  444 

Pleasing — Pleasure,   1  <•"> 

Poverty,  447 

Power,  449 

Praise,  452 

Prayer,  456 

Preaching,  460 

Preparation,  461 

Presence  —  Omnipresence, 

462 
Pride,  464 
Priest,  465 
Prison,  466 
Promise,  467 
Prophecy — Prophets.  468 
Prosperity,  470 
Psalm,  471 
Punishment,  472 
Purity,  473 
Quiet,  474 
Ransom,  475 
Reason — Reasons,  476 
Redeemer,  478 
Redemption,  480 
Refuge,  483 
Religion,  484 
Remembrance,  488 
Repentance,  490 
Resignation,  493 
Rest,  494 

Resurrection— Rising,   l!>7 
Revelation,  500 
Revenge,  501 
Reverence,  502 
Reward.  5<>3 
Riches,  504 
Righteousness.  506 
Rivers,  506 
Rock,  507 
Rod,  508 
Sabbath.  609 


724 


INDEX   OF   SUBJECTS. 


Sacrifice,  513 

Safety— Saving,  514 

Saint,  516 

Salvation,  518 

Satan,  520 

Saviour,  521 

Scorn,  524 

Sea,  525 

Seasons,  527 

Seeing— Sight,  530 

Seeking,  531 

Sepulchre— Tomb,  532 

Service,  533 

Shade— Shadow,  534 

Sheep — Shepherd,  535 

Shortness,  537 

Sickness,  538 

Silence,  539 

Sin,  540 

Sinai,  544 

Singing— Song,  545 

Sky,  546 

Slander,  547 

Slavery,  548 

Sleep,  551 

Sloth,  553 

Snare,  554 

Soldiers,  555 

Solomon,  556 

Son,  557 

Sorrow,  558 

Soul,  559 

Sowing,  563 

Speech,  564 

Spirit,  565 

Stars,  568 

Stillness,  571 

Storm,  572 

Stranger,  573 

Stream,  574 

Strength,  575 

Strife,  576 

Submission,  577 

Suffering,  578 

Sun,  579 

Superstition,  582 

Supper,  The  Lord's,  583 

Supplication,  586 

Teaching,  587 

Tears,  589 

Temperance,  593 


Temple,  594 

Temptation,  596 

Thankfulness.  598 

Thought,  600 

Tidings,  603 

Time,  604 

To-day — To-morrow,  61  <> 

Tongue,  612 

Treasure.  613 

Tree,  615 

Trembling.  617 

Trial,  618' 

Tribulation,  619 

Triumph,  620 

Trouble,  621 

Trust,  623 

Truth,  627 

Unity,  631 

Valour,  632 

Vanity,  633 

Vapour,  635 

Vengeance,  636 

Victory,  637 

Vine,  640 

Violence,  641 

Virtue,  642 

Visions,  646 

Voice,  647 

Waiting,  648 

Walking,  649 

Wander,  650 

Want,  651 

War,  652 

Watching,  656 

Water,  657 

Waves,  659 

Way,  660 

Weakness,  661 

Wealth,  662 

Weariness,  663 

Weeping,  664 

WeU,  665 

Wife,  666 

Will— Willing,  667 

Wind,  670 

Wisdom,  672 

Witness,  676 

Woe,  677 

Woman,  67!' 

Word,  681 

Works— Work,  684 


INDEX    OF    SCB.IECTS. 


"25 


World, 
Worship,  691 
Worthy,  693 
Wound,  694 
Wrath,  695 


Year.  G97 
Youth.  7i •  1 
Zeal,  708 

Ziun.   7"! 


London:  Giioombridge  and  Sons. 


